PhD Studentship: Investigating Biofilm-Coated Micro- and Nanoplastics as Drivers of Liver Inflammation and Damage

DoS:                       Professor Shilpa Chokshi

2^nd Supervisor:        Professor Mathew Upton

3^rd Supervisor:         Dr Paula Boeira

Applications are invited for a three year PhD studentship, starting 1^st October 2025.

Project Description

With global plastic production exceeding 400 million metric tonnes annually, micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are pervasive in the environment and are found in the air-we-breathe,  water-we-drink, and food-we-eat. Notably, humans are thought to ingest upto 5 grams per week. Interaction of ingested MNPs with the gut microbiome promotes development of microbial biofilms on MNP surfaces, known as the “Plastibiome.” With recent studies suggesting that biofilm-coated MNPs may selectively harbour pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant microbes. This fully funded PhD project will investigate the relationship between MNPs, the “Plastibiome” and inflammation. Specifically the project aims to characterise the microbial species that thrive on MNPs and explore how biofilm-coated MNPs contribute to inflammation and tissue damage in liver disease. The focus will be on cirrhosis which ranks as the 11th leading cause of death globally, with bacterial infections and systemic inflammation accounting for 30-50% of mortality.

Research Approach

Using advanced methodologies, this project will:

• Generate MNPs from real-world plastics to replicate realistic environmental conditions.
• Expose MNPs to microbial communities to cultivate biofilm-coated MNPs (Bio-MNPs).
• Profile microbial communities and antibiotic resistance genes on Bio-MNPs using metagenomic sequencing and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
• Assess the inflammatory properties of Bio-MNPs using patient samples and established disease models, including precision-cut liver slices, and immunological assays.

This fully funded PhD project offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of plastic pollution and human health. Findings from this research may contribute to novel therapeutic approaches for liver disease and inform environmental policies to mitigate the health risks of biofilm-laden MNPs.

Eligibility

Applicants should have a first or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, such as microbiology, biomedical sciences, immunology, molecular biology, environmental sciences, or a related field. A Master’s degree (MSc or MRes) in a relevant subject is desirable but not essential.

Essential criteria:

• Background in microbiology, molecular biology, hepatology, or immunology.
• Experience with laboratory-based research (e.g., microbiological culturing, molecular techniques, bioinformatics, bioreactors or cell culture).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable criteria:

• Experience in metagenomics, sequencing technologies (16S rRNA or whole-genome sequencing), bioinformatics, or immunological assays.
• Knowledge of microbial biofilms, host-microbe interactions, or inflammation models.
• Familiarity with liver disease or gut microbiome research.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.

The studentship is supported for 3 years and includes full Home tuition fees plus a stipend of £18,655 per annum 2024/25 rate (2025/26 rates TBC).  The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications.  Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact:

Professor Shilpa Chokshi (shilpa.chokshi@plymouth.ac.uk)

To apply for this position please click on the Apply button above.

The closing date for applications on 19^th May 2025.

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