FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
SCHOOL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
Biointeractions of Self-assembled TiO2 Nanotubes Grown on Titanium Alloy
Medical Implants
DoS: Dr Huirong Le, School of Marine Science and Engineering (email:
huirong.le@plymouth.ac.uk; tel.: +441752 586172)
2nd Supervisor: Prof Richard Handy, School of Biomedical and Biological Sciences
(email: r.handy@plymouth.ac.uk; tel: +441752 584630)
3rd Supervisor: Prof Christopher Tredwin, Peninsular Schools of Medicine and
Dentistry (email: christopher.tredwin@pcmd.ac.uk; tel: +441752 437401)
Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start
on October 1st 2013.
Project Description
Titanium alloy is still the main material used in bone fixation, dental implants and
bone replacement in the foreseen future. Surface modification of titanium alloys has
led to significant advances in dental implant, artificial hip joint technologies in recent
years.
A more recent advance related to titanium is the discovery of titanium oxide
nanotubes on titanium surface in anodizing process. However there is lack of
understanding about how the growth of titanium nanotubes is going to affect the
surface and mechanical integrity of the implants, or subsequent biocompatibility with
natural bone or soft tissues. There is also concern whether toxins can be
accumulated in these hollow nanotubes to cause significant side effects.
This project is a joint effort between Faculty of Science and Technology and
Peninsular Schools of Medicine and Dentistry aimed to investigate the implications of
anodised titanium oxide coatings on the mechanical integrity and the biocompatibility
of medical implants. The project will involve optimisation of titanium anodising
process, nanostructure and mechanical characterisation, biotoxicology and
biocompatibility studies of the anodised material.
The successful candidate will benefit from extensive training in techniques including
electrochemistry, micro/nanostructure characterisation, mechanical testing and
biochemical assays. The research will be conducted in state-of-the–art laboratories
within the faculty of Science and Technology and Peninsular Schools of Medicine
and Dentistry.
Eligibility
Applicants should have a minimum of a first or upper second class bachelor’s degree
in biomedical engineering or materials science. Applications from candidates with a
relevant Masters qualification will be welcomed. Knowledge and research experience
in biomaterial and biointeractions will be desirable.
Funding
The studentship is supported for 3 years and includes full Home/EU tuition fees plus
a stipend of £13,726 per annum. The studentship will only fully fund those
applicants who are eligible for Home/EU fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants
normally required to cover overseas fees will have to cover the difference between
the Home/EU and the overseas tuition fee rates (approximately £9,790 per annum).
Application
For further information on the project or for an informal discussion, please contact Dr
Huirong Le at: huirong.le@plymouth.ac.uk
For an application form and full details on how to apply, please visit
www.plymouth.ac.uk/postgraduate. Applicants should send a completed application
form along with a covering letter detailing their suitability for the studentship, C.V.,
and 2 references to Francesca Niedzielski, Faculty of Science and Technology
Research Office, Room A425, Portland Square, Plymouth PL4 8AA or e-mail
francesca.niedzielski@plymouth.ac.uk.
Closing date for applications: 12 noon on the 17th June 2013.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interview in last week of June or first week
of July. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants
who have not received an offer of a place by 30 June 2013 should consider their
application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
REF: PUS&T&PSMD/HL/17062013