Advancing therapeutic options in surgical site infections and wound care: Engineering multi-drug eluting medical devices

About the project

About the Project Background Despite improvements in aseptic procedures and antimicrobial prophylaxis, surgical site infections (SSIs) continue to be a major cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality globally. Traditional sutures, including surface-coated sutures, may serve as a breeding ground for a myriad of microorganisms and only mechanically close wounds. Thus, SSIs, bone infections, and suboptimal wound healing following surgery or trauma remain major clinical challenges, particularly when associated with implantable surgical devices or bone defects [1,2]. Developing smart, multi-drug-eluting biodegradable medical devices using green, solvent-free technology directly supports the UK and global priorities in sustainable manufacturing and infection-prevention innovations. Thus, providing an intersection of healthcare innovation and cutting-edge technologies to transform public health, enabling people to live longer and healthier lives. Therefore, the project aligned with the UK’s Invest 2035 Modern Industrial Strategy, particularly its mission to build an NHS fit for the future [3], contributing to the UN SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), and 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). Project Aim This PhD project aims to develop a novel continuum of matrix-embedded multi‑drug‑eluting medical devices, from next-generation surgical sutures to three-dimensional (3D) printed biodegradable local drug‑delivery scaffolds for applications in surgical site infection prevention, wound care, and bone-related therapy. Thus, addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) associated with SSIs, bone infections (osteomyelitis), and general wound care for both human and veterinary use. Project objectives Phase 1: You will engineer surgical sutures capable of eluting 1 or more therapeutic agents (e.g., antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) directly at the wound closure site using solvent-free, hot‑melt‑extruded (HME) technology. HME enables continuous, solvent-free manufacture of drug-loaded filaments suitable for suture fabrication [1]. We will optimise suture polymer composition to deliver sustained release while retaining mechanical integrity and biocompatibility suitable for human and veterinary use. Phase 2: Building on the suture work and leveraging additive manufacturing, you will advance to 3D‑printing biodegradable local drug‑delivery scaffolds for bone defects and localised wound beds using biodegradable polymers. These scaffolds will be tailored for local surgical implantation in bone and soft-tissue defects/wounds, delivering therapy to reduce and/or treat infections, control inflammation, and accelerate tissue regeneration. Benefits for the candidate This project provides a unique platform for training a PhD student in interdisciplinary research, combining materials science, additive manufacturing, and medical device engineering for both human and veterinary applications. It fosters career development through hands-on expertise in hot-melt extrusion, 3D printing, drug delivery, and translational research. Candidate Background We seek a graduate with a Master's degree (or strong upper second-class Bachelor's) in Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Materials Science, or related discipline. Experience with hot melt extrusion, 3D printing, polymer science, or sustained-release formulations will be an added advantage.

Research areas