Antibody Engineering and Plant Molecular Farming for Aquaculture Health
Supervisors
Dr Stefanie Menzies, Lancaster University
Prof Martin Llewellyn, University of Glasgow
Dr Doug Orr, Lancaster University
Summary
This interdisciplinary PhD will explore innovative biologics to improve fish health and sustainability in aquaculture. The project focuses on Vibrio pathogens, which cause major disease losses worldwide. The student will first discover novel antibody fragments that neutralise vibriolysin, a key Vibrio toxin. These will be developed into a prototype lateral flow diagnostic device for rapid, on-farm detection of disease. In collaboration with aquaculture specialists at the University of Glasgow, the antibody fragments will then be tested in infection challenge models to assess their protective potential. Finally, the project will investigate the use of chloroplast biotechnology to produce the antibody fragments in plants, enabling cost-effective delivery to fish via their feed.
The student will gain advanced skills in molecular biology, antibody engineering, plant biotechnology, diagnostics development, and aquaculture microbiology. They will also develop transferable expertise in interdisciplinary collaboration, project management, and communication. Training will be provided across three complementary laboratories: Stefanie Menzies (antibody discovery and diagnostics, Lancaster), Doug Orr (chloroplast engineering, Lancaster), and Martin Llewellyn (aquaculture challenge models, Glasgow). This unique programme offers a strong platform for careers in academia, biotechnology, diagnostics, or the sustainable aquaculture sector, equipping the graduate with both fundamental research experience and applied translational skills.