PhD Studentship: Microneedles for Enteric Neuroendocrine Monitoring

The gastrointestinal tract can impact mood and cognition. Gut derived serotonin activates vagal pathways to the brain, affecting mood and cognition and chronic gut inflammation and dysbiosis often coincide with a higher likelihood of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Besides their implication in psychiatric and inflammatory disorders, enteric neuroendocrine signals such as serotonin and acetylcholine also impact gut motility and immune function. However, our understanding of the influence of the neuroendocrine on our health is limited as current diagnostics such as stool biomarkers or intermittent endoscopy cannot capture the dynamic chemical changes in the gut. There is therefore a critical unmet need for a real-time, chronic gut monitoring tool to unravel neuroendocrine gut–brain pathways and guide therapy.

This project will develop a proof of concept ingestible device that attaches to the gut lining using microneedles for long term monitoring of luminal neurotransmitters. These microneedles will not just penetrate the epithelial lining, each will be tailored to sense either serotonin and/or acetylcholine. The microneedles will be made from biocompatible materials and fabricated using MEMS techniques, ensuring enough rigidity to penetrate without damaging tissue and stability against peristalsis. The device will also include onboard electronics for wireless data transfer to an external receiver. The device will be tested on a benchtop using standard electrochemical characterisation techniques before being tested in a simulated intestinal environment. If successful, the patch would open new diagnostic and therapeutic avenues by enabling chronic, gut-based monitoring of neuroendocrine activity for applications such as closed loop therapeutics. The proposed PhD project sits at the interface of biomedical engineering, materials science and physiology.

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.

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 includes UK citizens, citizens of the Republic of Ireland and EU citizens with settled status. 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, providing a copy of your CV and degree transcript.

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