Targeting vaccine nanoparticle to epithelial cells

With the support of the Linkage funding scheme of the Australian Research Council, a PhD scholarship (Au$27,000/year) is available for a cross-disciplinary research project conducted in collaboration between the University of South Australia, the University of Adelaide and Ceramisphere Pty Ltd (Sydney).
Particulate nano and micron size carriers for the oral delivery of biological molecules such as vaccines are rapidly emerging as a multi-billion dollar industry with significant societal benefits. However, the uptake and transport of such particulate-carriers through the intestinal epithelium remains sub-optimal and highly variable which is the most significant bioengineering challenge that hampers the efficacious implementation of oral biologics. The project ultimately aims to develop the next generation of oral biologics. This exciting goal will be achieved through the design of “next generation” carriers targeted to specific cells of the intestinal epithelium. The trans-epithelium uptake and transport of these targeted carriers will be validated using a cutting edge in vitro model (“intestine on a chip”) mimicking the properties of the intestinal epithelium.
The PhD student will be responsible for the development of the targeted carriers and the characterization of their biophysical properties. He/she will also be conducting the biological evaluation and optimization of the carriers. Candidates will have a strong background in chemistry. Knowledge in molecular biology and/or analytical surface characterization is a plus.
The students will join an established multidisciplinary research team led by Prof Prestidge, A/Prof Thierry and Prof Gibson and will received training in state-of-the-art instrumentation. They will also directly benefit from the expertise at Ceramisphere, a leader in the encapsulation, transport, delivery and controlled release of biomolecules based on sub-micron ceramic (e.g. silica) carriers.