Profiling complex wound biofilms using surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to inform antimicrobial resistance strategies
Supervisors
Dr Karen Faulds, University of Strathclyde
Dr Jason Brown, University of Glasgow
Summary
This multidisciplinary PhD project aims to combine aspects of chemistry, physics and biology to develop a sensitive, multiplexed and rapid test for the specific detection of bacteria and fungi within polymicrobial biofilms with applications in wound healing and reduction of AMR. Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) will be combined with bionanosensor development for multiplexed pathogen detection.
The bionanosensor will be developed to profile different bacterial and fungal species related to wound infections. The student will have the opportunity to work in two world-leading research groups learning the fundamentals of Raman Spectroscopy at the University of Strathclyde and microbiology relating to biofilm model applications with aspects of molecular biology and microscopy at the University of Glasgow. Upon completion of the PhD, the student will have learnt a variety of key transferable skills for a future career in academia or industry.