Polyglycerol polymer coatings on titanium medical devices to improve osteointegration and anti-microbial surface properties

About this project

Help decrease the likelihood of infection after orthopaedic surgery 

If you are excited about launching your career in biomedical science and interested in improving outcomes for those undertaking orthopaedic surgery, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD within Health and Biomedical Innovation (HBI), in partnership with TekCyte Pty Ltd.

Infection that occurs after orthopaedic surgery, such as a hip replacement, is a major health problem without effective treatment. The polished surface of titanium (used to make hip replacement implants) offers an ideal environment for an infection to take hold. Currently, there is a worldwide effort to establish titanium surfaces that effectively bind to bone and prevent bacterial infection. We have already shown that a unique polymer coating, which is easily applied to a wide range of metallic and polymer-based materials, repels bacteria, and prevents biofilm formation.  

Our new project seeks to test and develop this polymer-coated titanium for orthopaedic devices with our industry partner, TekCyte. Polymer-coated titanium that is shown to promote both antimicrobial activity and osseointegration could lead to medical implants that can prevent orthopaedic infection and improve bone integration. You will be based within HBI, located in Clinical and Health Sciences at UniSA. You will have access to state-of-the-art in vitro and in vivo models and techniques at UniSA, SAHMRI, and the University of Adelaide. 

The project will be conducted in conjunction with bioengineers and industry partners to oversee the clinical translation of outcomes from the project.  This valuable hands-on, outcome-oriented project will help you establish a strong professional network and give you the competitive edge in the job market. 

What you’ll do

In this project-based research degree, you will gain experience in a wide array of techniques, including cell culture studies to assess cell viability, cell differentiation and mineral apposition, as well as proteomic and metabolomic analysis. You will work with in vivo surgical models involving biomechanical tests, micro-computed tomography and histomorphometry. 

Under supervision, you’ll also engage with in vivo surgical models involving bacterial bioluminescence assays, digital droplet PCR bacterial quantitation, scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution micro-computed tomography.

Upon completion you will be equipped with an impressive suite of technical abilities and strong collaboration and communication skills. 

Where you’ll be based

You will be based within HBI that leads research into the workings of the body and its interaction with its surrounding environment. We address fundamental questions about how the body and its environment work together, that informs our knowledge of the human body, in both health and disease. Financial Support

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $35,200 per annum (2025 rate) is available to eligible applicants. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $50,291 per annum. A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information for domestic students or international students.

Eligibility and Selection

This project is open to applications from both Domestic and International applicants. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD.

All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project.

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to be based at our City West campus in the heart of Adelaide.

Essential Dates

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Tuesday, 14 January 2025.