Development of polymerisation-induced self-assembly (PISA) systems with controlled mechanical stability

About the Project

The spontaneous formation of an organized structure from a system of single-molecule components due to molecular recognition is known as self-assembly. Self-assembled structures have the potential to revolutionise applications such as drug delivery or energy storage. Polymerisation-induced self-assembly (PISA) offers many advantages over tradition self-assembly routes to produce a wide range of controlled nanostructures in solution based on block copolymer (BCP). This powerful strategy removes the need for post processing steps such as solvent or pH-switching and can be conducted at much higher concentrations, allowing for higher drug loading capacity. One of the challenges facing PISA formulations is their potential to undergo shear-thinning behaviour during processing, essentially disrupting their carefully designed self-assembled structures, releasing cargo. Thus it is vital to understand how these structures behave under different fluid flow conditions, such as shear flow produced during injection from a needle or during circulation in blood flow.

The aim of this project is to uncover the link between the physical properties of block copolymers and the strength of PISA structures in a range of controlled fluid flow conditions to deliver materials with unprecedented stability and the ability to release cargo following a controlled mechanical trigger. By synthesising a series of PISA structures and using a range of analytical techniques to examine their stability in flow, this project will provide fundamental insights into the behaviour of self-assembled structures in flow which is vital if these materials are to fulfil their potential in drug delivery systems.

The successful candidate will join a team working in the Department of Materials across world-leading facilities including the Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials. Thus, this project provides access to world-class equipment and to experience being part of in multidisciplinary research teams investigating advanced, sustainable materials challenges spanning fundamental chemical research to applied industrial challenges.

Eligibility

Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum of an upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Materials Science or a related discipline.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

You will need to submit an online application through our website here: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When you apply, you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• You will be asked to supply contact details for two referees on the application form (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/ work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it.
• English Language certificate (if applicable). If you require an English qualification to study in the UK, you can apply now and send this in at a later date.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert will be removed once the position has been filled.

Funding

This 3.5 year PhD is fully funded for home students (funded by The University of Manchester). The successful candidate will receive a tax free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year.