Nanostructured Biosensors for monitoring cardiac health

About the Project

British Heart Foundation (BHF) estimates about 7.6 million individuals in the UK to suffer from cardiovascular diseases, with ~160,000 associated deaths. Therefore, the aim of this project will be to develop a nanostructured sensor system to determine the levels of cardiac biomarkers to facilitate rapid diagnosis of heart damage, which is of particular relevance at point-of-care and to paramedics. Silicon nanostructure-based electrochemical sensors with appropriate biorecognition elements will be developed to evaluate the levels of two key biomarkers: eg cardiac troponin (cTn) and creatine kinase (CK). Morphological, electrical and electrochemical characterisation will be necessary to ensure satisfactory performance of these sensors. They will then be tested with cultured myocardial cell lines under normal and acute stress to verify their functioning. This project will develop multidisciplinary skills for the student, including Nanotechnology, Electrochemistry, Sensing Technology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology. The project will address the Resilient Futures theme, and UN SDGs 3 and 4.

The PhD Programme

The DMU PhD provides a solid education for a research career whether you stay in academic research or move to industry. There is a well-developed Researcher Development Programme which you will undertake alongside your research, supporting you through each year of your PhD. Working closely with your supervisors you will undertake open-ended research. As part of a vibrant PhD community in the Faculty you will have training opportunities which lead to presentations at international conference and in writing papers in leading academic journals as the research progresses into the later stages of the PhD. The student will graduate with skills and knowledge at the for front of academic and industrial expectations.

Entry Requirements

You must have achieved or close to achieving a UK Honours Degree with at least an upper second class (2:1) or a Masters Degree or an academic or professional qualification with relevant experience in the sector or industry which is deemed to be equivalent, or international equivalent

Closing date: 1 year from the date of uploading. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Starting date: There are three intakes a year at DMU and it is expected the successful candidate will start either in January 2026, April 2026 or October 2026

How to apply:

To apply for a research degree, you will need to apply via our Admissions Portal https://dmuhub.dmu.ac.uk/apply/index.html. You are required to provide the documentation as listed within section 5b at https://www.dmu.ac.uk/doctoral-college/study/how-to-apply.aspx

Studied at DMU previously? If you have studied at DMU previously, please submit the documentation listed in 5b via email to pgradmissions@dmu.ac.uk, not through the admissions portal. You will also need to complete and attach our application form and annexe form alongside the documents requested below:

You will need to select a programme code when applying from a list of research degree programme codes. Please select the programme code closest to your research proposal.

Funding Notes

This is a self-funded project and you will need to have sufficient funds in place (e.g., through a scholarship, personal funds and or other sources) to meet the tuition feeds and living expenses for the duration of the degree programme.

DMU has information of scholarships and other funding opportunities at View Website