Development and evaluation of a lung-on-a chip device for screening novel antimicrobials

About the project

About the Project This project aims to develop and validate an advanced microfluidic lung-on-a-chip platform that uses cutting-edge 3D printing technologies to recreate the airway microenvironment of patients affected by chronic respiratory infection, including those with cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and COPD. The platform will provide a physiologically relevant preclinical model for evaluating novel antimicrobial therapies against complex polymicrobial infections and for investigating interactions between microbial communities and the airway epithelium. By integrating microbiological, molecular and tissue-engineering approaches, the project aims to establish a next-generation screening platform that can accelerate the development of new treatments for chronic respiratory infections. The successful applicant will be integrated into inter-disciplinary and internationally renowned QUB research teams with access to world-leading facilities. A wide range of techniques will be used during the project including spectroscopic, microscopic, and mechanical analysis of the 3D printed lung-on-a-chip device, conventional aerobic and anaerobic culture, molecular microbiology, tissue culture and protein biochemistry. This study will develop a preclinical model that has the potential to be used to drive improvements in clinical care of people with respiratory diseases characterised by chronic infection. The PhD student will be encouraged to engage in a variety of impact activities, disseminate the research project findings through public talks, and participate in QUB showcase events. Examples of impact activities include blogs or web articles, magazine articles, public lectures, school visits, oral & poster presentations (at local, national and international conferences), and publication of scientific papers in peer reviewed journals.

Research areas