PhD Studentship: Dual-Action Antimicrobial Materials: Integrated Mechanical and Biochemical Antibiofilm Technologies for Infection Prevention

Supervisors:

Dr. Michele Crotti

Dr. Martyna Michalska

Abstract:

Biofilm-associated infections account for nearly 80% of human microbial infections and are notoriously resistant to antibiotics and disinfectants. With antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on the rise, there is an urgent need for non-antibiotic strategies to prevent and control biofilm formation on medical devices. This PhD project proposes a novel approach: integrating mechanical and enzymatic antibiofilm mechanisms into medical-grade polymers to create next-generation single-use medical consumables with built-in, robust antibiofilm properties. By combining micro/nanopatterned surfaces with immobilised enzymes that degrade biofilms and disrupt microbial communication, the project aims to overcome the limitations of each individual strategy and deliver synergistic, resistance-proof infection prevention technologies.

Approach and Methods:

• Select, clone, and purify a library of antibiofilm enzymes (e.g., quorum-quenching oxidoreductases, acylases, lactonases).
• Design and fabricate patterned surfaces optimised for enzyme immobilisation.
• Assess synergistic antibiofilm efficacy under static and dynamic (flow-based) biofilm models.
• Apply advanced microscopy, protein engineering, and nanofabrication techniques.
• Test materials against clinically relevant pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

Impact and Outlook:

This project will deliver a new class of hybrid antimicrobial materials with potential for real-world application in healthcare settings. By addressing the limitations of current antibiofilm strategies, the research could lead to safer, more effective medical devices and reduce reliance on antibiotics, contributing to global AMR mitigation efforts.

Training and Student Development:

The student will gain interdisciplinary training in:

• Enzyme discovery and recombinant protein production
• Enzyme characterisation and protein engineering
• Nanofabrication and materials characterisation
• Microbial biofilm testing and advanced microscopy
• Scientific communication and translational research

Opportunities include presenting at international conferences, publishing in high-impact journals, and collaborating across UCL and with external partners.

Research Environment:

The project is based at the Manufacturing Futures Lab (MFL) at UCL East, a cutting-edge multidisciplinary facility focused on sustainable, next-generation manufacturing. The Crotti (Chemistry) and Michalska (Mechanical Engineering) groups lead research at the interface of chemistry, materials science, and engineering. The student will join a vibrant, collaborative ecosystem tackling AMR from multiple disciplinary angles, with access to state-of-the-art equipment and a strong culture of innovation and mentorship.

Desirable Prior Experience:

• Background in biochemical engineering, biochemistry, materials engineering, or related disciplines
• Interest in enzymology, biofilms, materials science, and interdisciplinary research
• Laboratory experience in molecular biology or materials characterisation is advantageous

How to apply

This project is offered as part of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Engineering Solutions for Antimicrobial Resistance. Further details about the CDT and programme can be found at AMR CDT webiste  

Applications should be submitted by 12^th January 2026.

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