PROJECT SUMMARY
The aim of this project is to produce and characterise antimicrobially and photocatically active surfaces to determine their efficacy once they have been fouled with conditioning films and organic material, pre and post clean using traditional and plasma cleaning methods.

PROJECT AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Biofouling is a critical problem for many industries including the food industry and in medical applications.
Worldwide biofouling issues pose an enormous economic cost. Problems associated with surface fouling and subsequent biofilm formation includes possible risk to public health, product spoilage, mechanical blockages and biodeterioration of components.
Within the food industry, biofilm formation and consequent spoilage of the product can not only severely damage the reputation of the company, with significant cost to ensure recovery of consumer trust, but may also result in outbreaks of food poisoning, which in cases where elderly people or children are involved may result in death.
In the medical environment, with the increase in antibiotic resistant microorganisms there is also a need for antimicrobial, hygienic surfaces which may be used within key areas of the hospital or as biomaterial coatings.
The prerequisite leading to biofilm formation is the initial attachment of microorganisms and organic material to substrata.
Surfaces are critical components in the initiation of biofouling because they serve as the interface between the biological and mechanical environments.
Workers have attempted to identify specific surface parameters (topography, chemistry, wettability) that maximise or minimise bacterial attachment.
However, most work either examines only one parameter at a time e.g. the effect of topography at one scale (macro, micro or nano), surfaces with an undefined or heterogeneous chemistry, or surface physicochemistry, when it is clear that all three factors have a part to play in surface biofouling.
Organic fouling is also a major consideration since molecules will deposit from a suspension onto a surface faster than bacterial cells.
This will inevitably alter the surface chemistry, physicochemistry and nano/micro topography of the surface.
Studies in our laboratories have shown that the physicochemical properties of organic fouling affect surface properties in unpredictable ways by altering these parameters.
Nevertheless, despite its importance in surface biofouling, the effect of organic fouling on surface properties it is often overlooked, perhaps due to the difficulties of working with cell and organic material systems.
Further, in an applied system, organic fouling immediately alters the surface properties once it has been used, and studies in our laboratories have shown that the surface never returns to a pristine condition.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROJECT
The successful candidate will have a good honours degree in microbiology or a combined microbiology degree.
The candidate should be willing to participate in a multidiscipline project which will involve some surface engineering, coating analysis and characterisation.
Some knowledge of chemistry or biochemistry is desirable.
The candidate must have a good standard of verbal and written English.
IT skills, report writing skills, and analytical and problem solving skills are also required.
In order to fulfill this project the candidate also needs excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
The candidate must also have the ability to work under their own initiative, as part of a team and have the motivation to drive this high-profile project forward.
Potential candidates are encouraged to contact Dr Whitehead explaining how they believe that their particular interests, qualifications, and experience would make them ideal for this position.

Please quote the studentship reference number SE2014KW4.

Application here