PhD Studentship: Microfabricated Iontronic Sensors for the Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders

Gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders such as IBS and postoperative ileus affect millions worldwide yet lack high-resolution diagnostics. Current tests are either indirect or use rigid manometry catheters that cannot measure the entire GI tract. Ingestible capsules offer a minimally invasive route to map intraluminal pressure, but commercial “SmartPill” systems only measure transit times and bulk pressure, not localized contractile forces. This project will develop a soft, capacitive iontronic sensor array integrated into a swallowable capsule to capture spatiotemporal pressure profiles of  peristalsis throughout the intestine. The outcome will address a clear clinical need by providing sensitive, localized motility data to improve diagnosis of neuromechanical GI disorders. The sensor will rely on iontronic capacitive transduction, whereby an ionic-gel dielectric between flexible electrodes forms an electrical double-layer whose capacitance varies with contact area under pressure. Iontronic capacitive sensor designs should achieve high sensitivity to very small pressure change, making them suited to wireless motility sensing. The sensor will be created used microfabrication techniques such as soft lithography and casting. The sensor and its integrated electronic readout systems will be tested initially on a benchtop, then an intestinal phantom and finally ex-vivo tissue.

The University is uniquely positioned to benefit any applicant interested in a future career in healthcare technology. The University emphasises the clinical translation of innovative research to ensure real-world impact through the Healthcare Technologies Institute and the Precision Healthcare Technology Accelerator. The School of Engineering also has an established Medical Engineering research group with links to several SME and multinational medical device companies.

The candidate will be part of a diverse, international team. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented groups in Engineering including, but not limited to, women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic.

Funding notes:

Applications are sought from highly motivated students, eligible for home fee status, graduating with first degree (2:1 or higher) in engineering (and preferably a MSci/MEng degree). Home fee status covers UK citizens, citizens of the Republic of Ireland and EU citizens with settled status in the UK. Funding is awarded by the School on a competitive basis, depending on the strength of the applicant. The funding will cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for 3.5 years. For details of the funding available and advice on making your application, please contact: G.Cummins@bham.ac.uk with your CV and degree transcript.

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