125th Anniversary Scholarships for Black British Researchers – Prebiotic Microcomposites for Personalised Microbiome Modulation in IBD and Health.

This exciting PhD project, working at the interface of microbiome research and biomaterials engineering, offers the opportunity to pioneer the development of Next Generation Prebiotics— agents which are designed to selectively enhance the growth of specific beneficial bacteria within the intestinal microbiome. By identifying novel natural materials that promote the targeted growth of key bacterial species, this project aims to revolutionise our ability to restore microbial balance in diseases where critical bacteria become lost. This breakthrough approach has the potential to transform therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of microbiome-related diseases, unlocking a new era of precision and personalised microbiome medicine.

Project Background

A stable and diverse gut microbiota is essential for good health, yet imbalances (dysbiosis) are implicated in diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diabetes, and intestinal cancer. Restoring a healthy microbiota is a growing focus in many therapeutic interventions in these diseases and whilst significant progress has been made in probiotics and faecal microbial transplantation, innovation with prebiotics has lagged. Prebiotics currently lack the precision to target specific bacteria, limiting their clinical effectiveness in restoring depleted bacterial communities in disease. This project aims to advance our understanding and research on the application of Next Generation Prebiotics to improve the growth of bacteria in the intestinal microbiome.

We have recently developed novel Microcomposites (small gel-like beads) as a new type of prebiotic. We have termed these new prebiotics “Scaffolding Prebiotics” as they have been designed with two essential components: (1) a gastrointestinal-resistant material that ensures the gel-bead microcomposite reaches the colon intact, creating additional space (a scaffold) for bacterial growth, and (2) a prebiotic nutrient that selectively promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria. These prebiotics uniquely provide both space and nutrients in a single prebiotic intervention, marking an entirely novel and multi-functional way of developing prebiotics. Now that we have established this technology, we need to validate its use and expand its potential application by targeting a broader range of intestinal bacteria (including those depleted in diseases such as IBD) and demonstrate efficacy in disease-relevant microbiome models.

Key objectives within the PhD project include:

1. Expanding Prebiotic Scope: We will broaden our current library of potential prebiotic substrates with the goal of identifying novel prebiotic materials that selectively support a wider range of health-promoting bacteria, including those depleted in IBD.
2. Chemical Incorporation: Using chemical engineering techniques, we will integrate these prebiotic materials into the microcomposites (gel-like beads). We aim to surface-modify these microcomposites with the identified substrates using advanced modification methods.
3. Assessing Efficacy: Newly developed Microcomposite Prebiotics will be tested in sophisticated bioreactor gut models that mimic dysbiosis in disease (such as IBD) to examine if depleted strains grow to restore a healthy microbiome.

Scientific and Healthcare Impacts

Advancements in Next Generation Prebiotics in this project will drive clinical translation, enabling the development of targeted, orally delivered treatments to restore gut microbiome composition in diseases (such as IBD). While IBD serves as a model of dysbiosis in this PhD project, successful demonstration of newly developed prebiotics’ ability to target specific bacteria could have wider applications in other chronic diseases that are also linked to dysbiosis. These new Next Generation Prebiotics have the potential to revolutionise IBD treatment by providing a safer, more accessible and personalised alternative to current therapies. They could be used for disease prevention, treatment, and maintenance, supporting healthy gut communities throughout IBD care. They offer an alternative route in the management of IBD, circumventing conventional treatments which have significant side effects and complications. This innovative approach promises to be a transformative medical intervention, with a primary focus on IBD in this proposal, while also offering broader applications for personalised microbiome modulation. Data arising from this PhD proposal will further advance microbiome research by enhancing prebiotic screening models, delivering valuable tools and insights for researchers across these research disciplines.

Research training and support

This project offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a rapidly evolving and impactful area of science. Leveraging the expertise, recent advancements, and established networks of the supervisory team, this PhD project is designed to ensure the student makes a significant contribution to the field. Comprehensive training and support will be provided across all aspects of research, from experimental design and data analysis to the dissemination of findings. The successful candidate will have opportunities to present their work at national and international conferences, gaining exposure to leading researchers and cutting-edge ideas. Impactful results will be shared through peer-reviewed, open-access publications, ensuring wide recognition of the research.

This interdisciplinary project spans biochemical engineering, formulation development, microbiology, microbiome research, and translational science. It will equip the student with a diverse skill set, including quantitative, interdisciplinary, and translational research expertise, all underpinned by guidance from an experienced and dedicated supervisory team. The supervisory team fosters an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative environment, with a proven track record of mentoring PhD students and advancing their professional development. Students will join vibrant and diverse research groups supported by postdoctoral researchers, technicians, and peers at various career stages. Weekly group meetings and regular one-to-one mentoring sessions ensure a robust support network, with senior researchers offering additional training and guidance. All teams prioritise responsible research practices, data integrity, and ethical conduct, while championing flexible working arrangements to promote well-being. The lab environment is dynamic, inspiring, and enriched with opportunities for learning, collaboration, and growth, creating an ideal space for the student to excel.

You can find more information here: 125th Anniversary Scholarships for Black British Researchers – University of Birmingham