Newcastle PhD: Biofabrication technologies to model host-biofilm interactions in oral health

The oral microbiome has evolved by mutualistic coevolution with its human host. Maintaining oral health requires frequent removal of biofilms from teeth to avoid irritation of the gingival mucosa (gingivitis), which leads to periodontal disease. Research on the homeostatic relationship between the gingival mucosa and its resident microbiota in health has traditionally used murine models. However, murine and human physiology and their oral microbiomes are distinct. Therefore, there is a need for ethically acceptable, physiologically relevant, experimental models to understand the homeostatic mechanisms which are key to oral health. Furthermore, there is a need from industry for models to interrogate mechanisms to promote oral health (e.g., use of pre- and pro-biotics) as well as understanding the role of microbial dysbiosis in perturbing these homeostatic mechanisms and identification of novel preventive therapeutic targets.

Initially, you will learn novel biofabrication techniques, such as bioprinting and melt-electro writing, and using novel biomaterial formulations apply these techniques to the development and validation of a model of the gingival mucosa which recreates the tissues physiological complexity and contains elements of the mucosal immune system. You will then use the latest techniques in biofilm research, such as metagenomics, metabolomics, mass spectrometry imaging and advanced microscopy to create and validate unique models of a commensal multispecies oral biofilm. Then, using the commensal biofilm as a base, you will apply relevant microbial species to create and model early dysbiosis towards a gingivitis associated biofilm. Finally, using a microfluidic setup, to enable dynamic culture conditions, you will investigate the interaction between both novel biofilm models and the host to determine mechanisms which support commensalism and maintain homeostasis and how these mechanisms are perturbed during dysbiosis and the effects on host tissues.

The project is a collaboration with Haleon and you will have the opportunity for a 3-month placement in the company. Here you will get insight into research in industry and learn about the pathways to product development. You will also learn about the differences between academic and industrial research and therefore gain a plethora of diverse skills for a future career in either setting.

Apply by Monday 31 March 31 2025.

For full information and to apply, please visit the FindAPhD website.