This PhD project aims to develop novel bio-inspired peptide electronic materials integrated with conductive moieties to create hydrogels capable of conducting electricity, for application in neural cell stimulation. Recent advances in biomaterials have highlighted the potential of peptide-based systems due to their biocompatibility, versatility, and inherent structural and functional properties. However, the challenge lies in enhancing the electrical conductivity of these materials while maintaining their biological functionality for applications such as neuronal tissue engineering and regenerative medicine more generally.

Peptides, as biomolecules, are natural building blocks for functional materials due to their ease of synthesis and ability to self-assemble into well-defined structures. In this project, peptides will be engineered with specific motifs that incorporate conductive moieties (such as conjugated polymers, redox-active units, or metallic nanoparticles) to promote electrical conductivity. These modified peptides will then be incorporated into hydrogel matrices, offering a dynamic and flexible environment suitable for interfacing with neural tissue. The conductive hydrogels will be designed to mimic the electrical properties of native neural tissue, facilitating the transmission of electrical signals and enabling the stimulation of neural cells.

The project will explore the synthesis of these peptide-electronic hybrids, their structural characterization, and the optimization of their conductive properties. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding the interaction between the hydrogels and neural cells, including their ability to deliver controlled electrical stimuli for cell growth, differentiation, and function. Advanced techniques in bioelectrical recording, neural culturing, and electrochemical analysis will be employed to evaluate the performance of these hydrogels as biomaterial scaffolds for neural applications.

Ultimately, this project seeks to contribute to the development of next-generation materials for neural interfaces and therapies, with potential applications in treating neurological disorders and injuries.

Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply.

How to apply: To be considered for this project you’ll need complete a formal application through our online application portal. This link should directly open an application for FSE Bicentenary PhD .

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project , the name of your proposed supervisor/s , details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees .

Your application cannot be processed without all of the required documents, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines where applications are incomplete.

Equality, diversity and inclusion: Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and are at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

_{FSE_Bicentenary}