PhD Studentship: Functionalisation and antibiofilm evaluation of chitinous polymers

Start date: November 2025

This PhD is an exciting opportunity to expand knowledge and understanding in the applications of natural chitinous polymers for bacterial/viral prevention and biofilm control. Joining the leading researchers in the Centre for Engineering Research at the University of Hertfordshire, collaborating with our industrial partners and becoming a member of the vibrant doctoral community at the National Biofilm Innovation Centre NBIC. You will be working and accessing facilities in £100m, state-of-the-art the new SPECTRA building.

Project outline:

The biocompatible polymer, Chitosan is increasingly popular, due to its absorbent, anticoagulant and antimicrobial properties, and most importantly its non-toxic nature to mammalian cells. The versatility of Chitosan and its derivatives allows them to be processed into various forms such as membranes, sponges, gels, scaffolds, and microparticles, making them suitable for a range of biomedical and aquaculture applications (e.g. wound healing, haemostasis promotion and water treatments). The objectives of this project focus on evaluating the antibiofilm efficiencies of different Chitosan derivatives with various polymer sizes and to functionalise these chitinous polymers with the aim of enhancing the biofilm functions.

The successful candidate for this project will focus on achieving the above objectives and attending the NBIC training programmes in the first three years, of which will be followed by committing to an industrial placement in the fourth year of this doctoral programme.

Supervisors:

• Dr Yuen-Ki Cheong (y.cheong2@herts.ac.uk)
• Malcolm MacKenzie (malcolm@entoplast.com)

Entry requirements:

Essential:

• A first or upper second-class degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, microbiology or a relevant natural sciences-related subject.
• Good analytical, problem-solving and MS Excel skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively and manage time independently to meet deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills.

• Highly self-motivated in hands-on practical and laboratory work.
• Well organised and ability to work competently.

Desirable (non-essential):

• A Masters (MSc/MEng) degree or experience relevant to the research project.
• Experience with experimental methods in science or engineering.
• A desire to be part of a team exploring multidisciplinary questions in an emerging area of science and engineering.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be permanently resident in the UK and qualify for UK Home fee status.

How to apply:

Applicants should email the following documents directly to the University’s Doctoral College (doctoralcollegeadmissions@herts.ac.uk) with the subject line “Functionalisation and antibiofilm evaluation of chitinous polymers”.

• A completed application form
• Two academic references
• Copies of qualification certificates and transcripts
• Certification of English language competence (minimum IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) for candidates for whom English is not their first language.

Funding and other information:

The award includes cover for UK home tuition fees and subject to eligibility, a stipend at standard UKRI rates. For 2025-26 this is set at £20,780.

Interviews will take place in September 2025. For informal enquiries, please email the Supervisor(s).

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