Green chemistry synthesis of silver nanoparticles in b-cyclodextrin doped nanofibers for wound healing applications

RCSI’s Strategic Academic Recruitment (StAR) Programme is now recruiting for prestigious funded PhD scholarships. This programme aims to attract high-achieving students to a four-year structured PhD training programme at RCSI and Qatar University. Students will spend half of their time in Doha and half of their time in Dublin. They will receive their PhD from both Universities.

The RCSI-QU StAR PhD Programme aims to encourage scientists to develop innovative research projects in Health Sciences, with a focus on Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research or Clinical and Population Health Research.

Two research projects are available in the current intake:

1. Green chemistry synthesis of silver nanoparticles in b-cyclodextrin doped nanofibers for wound healing applications (Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Track)
2. Balancing benefits and harms of fixed-dose combination medications for the management of hypertension: A multiphase mixed-methods study (Clinical & Population Health Track)

Green chemistry synthesis of silver nanoparticles in b-cyclodextrin doped nanofibers for wound healing applications

Wounds disrupt the skin’s epithelial integrity and underlying tissues. They can be acute or chronic, often leading to pain and loss of function, impacting the patient’s quality of life. Healing involves four phases: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodeling. However, many wounds do not heal effectively and prolonged treatment can lead to health complications, with bacterial resistance being a significant factor.

Natural compounds like polyphenols, essential oils, terpenes, alkaloids, and plant extracts (e.g., Aloe Vera, curcumin) have shown efficacy in stimulating wound healing. These natural extracts are preferred for their safety, tolerance, and cost-effectiveness compared to conventional treatments. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have also been studied for their potential in promoting wound healing through tissue regeneration, infection reduction, and inflammation modulation. However, AgNPs pose risks such as cytotoxicity and uncontrolled release of silver ions (Ag++).

To mitigate these risks, AgNPs are co-formulated with curcumin in electrospun nanofibers. This approach addresses cytotoxicity by incorporating AgNPs in cyclodextrin inclusion complexes during electrospinning. The resulting nanofibers, used as wound dressings, control the release of Ag++ and curcumin, addressing cytotoxicity concerns. The patch’s porosity is crucial for chronic wound healing, allowing for prolonged application and larger surface area for mass exchange. Nanofibers also mimic the skin’s extracellular matrix, promoting quicker wound healing and tissue regeneration.

Previous studies have shown that Aloe Vera gel can be used to synthesize AgNPs, acting as a natural stabilizing and reducing agent, and therefore providing a greener alternative to reducing AgNO3, compared to the traditional use of toxic chemicals. This eco-friendly and biocompatible approach has demonstrated significant antimicrobial effects against various bacterial strains.

The research involves extensive physicochemical characterization at each formulation step, including AgNPs, AgNP-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes, electrospinning, wound healing patch formation, antimicrobial assays and in vitro evaluation of patch efficacy using 3D models.

Supervisors:

Prof. Helena Kelly helenakelly@rcsi.ie

Prof. Nashiru Billa nbilla@qu.edu.qa

Benefits

• Opportunity for an international research training experience at world class institutions and to attain a PhD from both universities
• Four-year structured PhD training programme
• Funded four-year PhD Scholarship:

1. While at RCSI: Students will receive a full scholarship covering all tuition fees; a tax-free stipend (€25,000 per annum); a relocation package to cover costs of moving to Ireland and a housing subsidy; an annual return home travel allowance; research costs; health insurance costs for non-EU candidates; visa costs for non-EU candidates
2. While at Qatar University: students will receive a 50% reduction in tuition fees (cost QAR 16,500, approximately €4,200 per annum) as well as an annual stipend of QAR 144,000 (approximately €37,900 per annum); research costs.

Eligibility:

• The PhD Programme is designed for high achieving students with a strong profile and a background in Biomedical/Pharmaceutical Research or Clinical/Population Health Research coming from primary degree courses focusing on (for example): Cell and Molecular Biology; Clinical and Translational Sciences; Medical Sciences; Bioengineering; Pharmacy; Pharmaceutical Sciences; Genetics and Neurosciences; Chemistry; Nursing; Public Health; Population Health; Health Professions Education; Biostatistics (list not exhaustive).
• Students will have obtained or be about to obtain a 1st Class Honours degree or equivalent (i.e. top 10 % of primary degree – or equivalent) and should provide a grade point average (GPA) for each completed year of undergraduate degree.
• English requirements: IETLS ≥6.5 or must have completed primary degree through the medium of English
• Students can be from any country in the world, there are no restrictions on nationality.
• Students should meet admission criteria for both institutes. QU criteria are available here: https://www.qu.edu.qa/en-us/colleges/health/research/graduate-programs/phd-program/admission-requirements-&-required-documents

How to Apply

• Unfortunately, we are unable to provide individual feedback to applicants.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
• At this stage, only successful candidates will be contacted to submit their CV, transcripts, and other relevant documentation.
• Only the referees of successful candidates will be contacted for a reference.

Application Requirements

Candidates must submit the following:

1. Completed application form
2. English language proficiency proof (if applicable) – https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/postgraduate/policies-and-guidelines/english-language-requirements

Application Deadline: March 12th, 2025

• It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure the application is completed in full and on time.
• Late or incomplete applications will not be assessed.

Application Process

Applicants must submit their applications to both QU and RCSI.

RCSI Application Submission

Submit the following documents via email to starphd@rcsi.com by March 12th, 2025:

• a cover letter detailing academic progress to date and indicating preference of research project (i.e. Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research or Clinical and Population Health Research)
• CV demonstrating aptitude for research (preferably through research publication)
• Evidence of proficiency in English if primary degree was not completed through English
• Final and official university transcripts
• 3 letters of recommendation
• 1-page personal statement
• Scan of passport

QU Application Submission

Submit the online application form via https://www.qu.edu.qa/en-us/colleges/health/research/graduate-programs/phd-program/admission-requirements-&-required-documents by March 12th, 2025.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: March 12th, 2025 (17:00 GMT)

Interviews (remote): End of April 2025

PhD Programme Start Date: September 2025

Informal Enquiries

For informal enquiries or questions about the application process please contact starphd@rcsi.ie