Next-generation antibacterial coatings

近年来，Martin-Fabiani集团一直处于制造具有增强性能的功能涂层的最前沿。我们利用干燥过程中发生的分离过程，最大限度地提高表面涂层表面的功能剂（如抗菌或耐磨纳米颗粒）的含量，从而提高其效率。在这个项目中，我们将开发新的方法来生产更有效和环保的抗菌涂料，以及适当的协议来测试其性能。这将涉及设计和使用颗粒涂层，抗菌纳米材料，微生物测试协议和先进的显微镜。这将是一个多学科的研究项目，跨越软物质，生物学和材料科学。这将涉及与阿尔斯特大学的微生物学家和临床NHS同事以及里昂大学的聚合物化学家的合作。一个成功的博士项目将有助于通过为医院抗菌涂层的改进提供科学依据来产生影响，这将有助于减轻与医疗保健相关的感染和抗菌素耐药性。

In recent years, the Martin-Fabiani group have been at the forefront of the fabrication of functional coatings with enhanced performance. We harness the segregation processes that take place during drying to maximize the amount of functional agent - such as antibacterial or abrasion resistant nanoparticles - at the top coating surface and therefore increase its efficiency. In this project we will develop new methods to produce more effective and environmentally friendly antibacterial coatings as well as appropriate protocols to test their performance. This will involve designing and working with particulate coatings, antimicrobial nanomaterials, microbial testing protocols, and advanced microscopies. It will be a multidisciplinary research project, spanning across soft matter, biology, and materials science. This will involve collaboration with microbiologists at Ulster University and clinical NHS colleagues, as well as with polymer chemists at the University of Lyon. A successful PhD project will contribute to delivering impact by providing the scientific basis for the improvement of antibacterial coatings for hospitals, which will enable the mitigation of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance.