Development of antioxidant-loaded dermal formulations for diabetic wound healing

About the Project

Details of the Project

Diabetic wounds and pressure ulcers affect 26 million patients annually[1]. Limited treatment options make diabetic pressure ulcers difficult to heal leading to sepsis, amputations, and social dysfunction[2,3]. Angiogenesis is critical for wound healing, as cells proliferate and migrate to repair tissue. Oxidative damage hinders this process, delaying tissue repair and regeneration in diabetic patients [4,5].

Antioxidants, such as hydrogen sulfide donors, withaferin-A, and epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG), show promise in enhancing angiogenesis and mitigating oxidative damage and inflammation. Withaferin-A reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, supporting vascular health. EGCG protects endothelial cells, reduces oxidative stress, and improves endothelial function-crucial in diabetic wounds. Its anti-inflammatory effects further aid vascular health and wound healing. ADT-OH, a hydrogen sulphide-donor, promotes vasodilation, reduces oxidative stress, and supports re-epithelialisation and collagen deposition, essential for wound repair[6,7].

However, rapid release rates and instability limit antioxidant delivery. To address this, we aim to develop novel dermal formulations loaded with antioxidants and evaluate their potential using a 3D-diabetic wound model. This approach could offer an effective therapeutic strategy to enhance wound healing and reduce complications in diabetic patients.

Aim: Develop and characterise biocompatible dermal gel formulations loaded with antioxidants to promote angiogenesis and re-epithelialisation in a 3D-diabetic wound model.

Objective 1: Synthesis and characterisation of gels: Antioxidant-loaded gels will be developed and assessed using texture analysis and differential scanning calorimetry.

Objective 2: Diabetic skin model: Co-culture of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and dermal fibroblasts will be established with keratinocytes seeded on top. Hyperglycaemic conditions will mimic diabetic inflammatory environment. Inflammatory markers (e.g., IL-6, ROS), cell viability, and morphology will confirm model accuracy.

Objective 3: Formulation efficacy: Compound release will be assessed using HPLC-UV. Safety will be evaluated with Cell Titer blue assay, and wound healing potential tested by measuring wound closure rates and analysing inflammatory and oxidative stress markers.

Overseas Applicants

Overseas applicants may apply for this studentship but will need to pay the difference between the ‘Home’ and the ‘Overseas’ tuition fees. Currently the difference between ‘Home’ and the ‘Overseas’ tuition fees is £17,712 for 2026/7. As part of the application, you will be required to confirm that you will provide this additional funding. Please indicate this on the application form in the funding section. This project has associated consumables costs which should be discussed with the supervisor in the first instance and before applying. The supervisor can be contacted at m.marwah1@aston.ac.uk. When applying, please upload copies of your discussions with the supervisor as confirmation.

Location

This position will be based on the Aston Campus in Birmingham, UK. The successful candidate will need to be located within a reasonable distance of the campus, and will be expected to visit in person regularly.

Person Specification

Candidates should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, EITHER:

a] a First or Upper Second Class award in their undergraduate degree, in a relevant subject.

OR

b] a First or Upper Second Class award in their undergraduate degree, and a Merit or Distinction in a Masters degree, both in a relevant subject.

Qualifications from overseas institutions will be considered, but performance must be equivalent to that described above, and the University reserves the right to ascertain this equivalence according to its own criteria.

Contact information

For formal enquiries about this project contact Dr Mandeep Kaur Marwah at m.marwah1@aston.ac.uk

Submitting an application

We can only consider applications that are complete and have all supporting documents. Applications that do not provide all the relevant documents will be automatically rejected.Your application must include:

1. English language copies of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees, including any Bachelor degrees.
2. A Research Statement detailing your understanding of the research area, how you would approach the project, and a brief review of relevant literature. Be sure to use the title of the research project you are applying for. There is no set format or word count.
3. A personal statement which outlines any further information which you think is relevant to your application, such as your personal suitability for research, career aspirations, possible future research interests, and further description of relevant employment experience.
4. A Curriculum Vitae (Resume) which details your education and work history.
5. Two academic refereeswho can discuss your suitability for independent research. References must be on headed paper, signed and dated no more than 2 years old. At least one reference should be from your most recent University. You can submit your references at a later date if necessary.
6. Evidence that you meet the English Language requirements. If you do not currently meet the language requirements, you can submit this at a later stage.
7. A copy of your passport. Where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status.

Interviews

Interviews will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted directly with details of the interview.

Apply for this position here

Please select “ Research - Health Sciences” from the application form options.

If you require further information about the application process please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at pgr_admissions@aston.ac.uk

Funding Notes

This project covers the Home tuition fees. Candidates who do not have Home status will be responsible for the difference in tuition fees. Currently the difference between ‘Home’ and the ‘Overseas’ tuition fees is £17,712 for 2026/7. This project has associated consumables costs which should be discussed with the supervisor in the first instance and before applying. The supervisor can be contacted at m.marwah1@aston.ac.uk. When applying, please upload copies of your discussions with the supervisor as confirmation.