Investigating phenotypic changes in wound biofilms in response to antimicrobial treatment using Raman Spectroscopy
Supervisors:
Prof Karen Faulds, Pure and Applied Chemistry (University of Strathclyde)
Dr Jason Brown, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing (University of Glasgow)
Summary:
This multidisciplinary PhD project aims to combine aspects of chemistry, physics and biology to assess the phenotypic changes in wound biofilms utilising the principles of Raman Spectroscopy. Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) is a sensitive and fast imaging technique which can provide high resolution biochemical information on larger cell populations compared with normal Raman. Raman and SRS based approaches will be developed to understand biofilm formation and response to antimicrobial treatment. This will allow for unique spectral profiling of 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 development 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.