Synthesis, Characterisation and Evaluation of Novel Antimicrobial Agents against Polymicrobial Biofilms.

About the Project

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a major global health threat, driven in part by the persistence of polymicrobial biofilms that exhibit high tolerance to antimicrobial treatments and immune defences. These structured microbial communities contribute to chronic and recurrent infections that are difficult to eradicate. This project aims to address this challenge through the development of novel antibiotic analogues designed to inhibit or disrupt clinically relevant polymicrobial biofilms comprising Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli.

To achieve this, the project will establish an optimised multispecies biofilm model and synthesise new conjugates that will undergo comprehensive physicochemical characterisation using analytical techniques such as TLC, FTIR, NMR, LC MS, and microanalysis. Their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities will be evaluated through MIC, MLC, time kill, viability, and quantitative biofilm assays, while confocal laser scanning microscopy will provide high resolution visualisation of biofilm structure and treatment effects.

The research aims to generate deeper insights into multispecies biofilm behaviour, stress responses, and mechanisms of disruption by novel conjugates. Expected outcomes include improved understanding of biofilm development, a library of validated novel antimicrobial compounds, and mechanistic evidence supporting their therapeutic potential.

Training opportunities:

The project offers extensive interdisciplinary training in both physicochemical and biological techniques, delivered in state of the art laboratories within the Schools of Dentistry and Chemistry. The student will also receive structured development in scientific writing, presentation skills, and oral communication, and will be fully integrated into the vibrant postgraduate research community across the School, College, and wider University. Opportunities to attend national and international conferences, as well as to prepare research outputs for publication, will further enhance academic development. Progress will be supported through weekly project update meetings in addition to formal monthly research progress reviews.

Eligibility:

Applicants should have a strong foundation in chemistry, microbiology, or pharmaceutical sciences, and demonstrate commitment to the research project. Candidates should hold, or be on track to achieve, at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Preference will be given to applicants who have studied chemistry at undergraduate or postgraduate level. Students from BSc/MSc Microbiology, Medicinal Chemistry, MPharm and BDS programmes are encouraged to apply. As this is an interdisciplinary project, full training will be provided.

Funding Notes: Applications are invited from self-funded or scholarship-funded students ONLY.

Applicants will be self-funded or will have applied or secured funding from external organisations such as their government, employer etc.

Overseas graduates require IELTs of 6.5 overall.

For further details on the project or application process, please contact Dr Ayesha Rahman at a.s.rahman@bham.ac.uk.