DIT PhD/Doctoral Project
Supervisor name & contact details:
Dr. Swarna Jaiswal
+353-1-4027942
swarna.jaiswal@dit.ie
Research Centre Name and Website (if
applicable)
Centre for Research in Engineering Surface
Technology (CREST), FOCAS Institute, DIT.
Web: http://www.crestdit.com/
Funding Agency
Dublin Institute of Technology (Fiosraigh
Scholarship Programme)
Scholarship Details
A stipend of €16,000 and €2,000 for project
costs per annum for four years.
Subject Area
Biomaterial science
Title of the Project
Multifunctional coatings for biodegradable
medical devices
Project Description
Biodegradable magnesium-based materials are promising candidates for medical devices,
especially for orthopaedic applications such as fracture fixators (e.g. pins, rods and screws).
Currently steel fixators remain in place whereas magnesium equivalents would degrade over time
enabling full healing (e.g. bone repair and regeneration). To date there are only a few commercial
bioabsorbable magnesium devices (Biotronik DREAM stents) available on the market. This is due
to the rapid degradation process of magnesium where the high rate of hydrogen gas released can
detrimentally affect human cells causing infection before finishing the healing process.
The aim of this project is to develop a multifunctional biodegradable magnesium orthopaedic
material which will (a) possess a controlled degradation rate (b) prevent microbial infection, (c)
be biocompatible. This overall aim will be achieved through the combination of a surface
treatment with a biodegradable heparin loaded polymer coating.
The student will gain experience in several complementary disciplines, including biomaterial
science, nanotechnology, surface chemistry, microbiology and cell biology. The student will work
in an established research group “Centre for Research in Engineering Surface Technology (CREST)
(An ISO 9001:2008 accredited) ” within “FOCAS Institute, DIT” with a wide range of equipment
and expertise available. The project will allow attendance at an international conference each
year for result dissemination and networking.
Please indicate the student requirements for this project
Essential:
 BSc (min 2.1 ) in Biomedical science, Chemistry, Biotechnology or related area
 Experience in developing biocompatible coatings
 Chemical characterisation of coatings
 Knowledge of antimicrobial and cytotoxity assessment techniques
Desirable:
 Excellent communications and writing skills
 Proficient in using MS Office and graphical packages
 Must be able to drive and conclude projects independently, take own initiative and
discuss/develop own ideas, creative and have a problem-solving ability
 Ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team
Deadline to submit applications (only for
funded projects)
20th August 2014
Please choose College as appropriate
Arts & Tourism
Business
Engineering and Built Environment
Sciences & Health
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