PhD Studentship: Biomimetic Membranes for Applications in Electrosynbionics and Biosensing

Electrosynbionics [1] involves the use of biological parts to create devices that generate electricity, such as biological photovoltaics and biobatteries. Electrosynbionic systems can be sustainable power sources for electronics, supporting the Green Transition.

Biosensing involves detection of biological targets, often for diagnosing or monitoring disease. Cheap and effective biosensors can save lives.

Biomimetic membranes can be vital components of electrosynbionic or biosensing devices. For maximizing performance, we need to use sophisticated nature-inspired membranes that are folded or crinkled. The PhD student will investigate different biomimetic materials and explore how to build membranes with complicated morphologies that will deliver optimal performance in devices.

The project will begin with a literature review. This will be coupled to a technoeconomic analysis of biomimetic membranes, the aim of which will be to assess suitability of different materials for applications involving mass production. For training purposes, the student will reproduce selected literature results before moving on to systems of their own design. They will design, build and characterise complex membrane structures, demonstrating the ability to engineer the membrane shape. They will test the effect of using their structures in selected devices.

The student will be trained in wet lab techniques and advanced characterisation methods. Subject to student eligibility and availability of opportunities, they will be able to teach, engage in public outreach or explore other opportunities complementary to their research. They will be encouraged to engage with appropriate training via the University’s Institute for Academic Development, Edinburgh Innovations or otherwise, as well as to participate in the intellectual community provided by the School of Engineering’s Institute for Bioengineering, in which they will be based.

As this project will complement other research with commercial applications and/or industrial partners, the student will be required to assign intellectual property arising from their PhD to the university, as a condition of accepting the offer. The PhD is fully-funded for Home Students, with a budget for research consumables.

[1] Dunn, K.E. The emerging science of electrosynbionics Bioinspiration & biomimetics (2020) DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ab654f