Dr Ayesha Rahman

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

School of Dentistry, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

The overarching aim of Ayesha Rahman’s research is to take an interdisciplinary approach to holistically study the underlying mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and to develop appropriate drug delivery strategies against biofilms. Ayesha Rahman has extensively worked on increasing the efficacy of antibiotics and developing novel antimicrobial combinations against biofilms formed by clinically important pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Ayesha Rahman’s group has optimised high throughput assays to allow reproducible quantification of biofilm formation, and this was followed by screening and physicochemical characterisation of several different pharmaceutical excipients as the first line of treatment to weaken and disrupt biofilms. Current research focusses on studying the formation of polymicrobial biofilms in the oral cavity and dissecting interspecies and host-pathogen interactions followed by design and development of novel antimicrobial agents to prevent and treat biofilm associated infections.

Research Groups

Drummond Lab

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: I am student-centred, supportive and outcome-oriented in my supervision approach.

Provision of Training

I prefer to take responsibility for your technical training at first, leading to more independence later. I strongly encourage students to take the initiative and to be creative and innovative in their approach, thereby enabling them to become competent and independent researchers.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I like to be kept up to date, and will expect to see evidence of method development/data generation results on a weekly basis. I am here for advice and guidance to help you reach the goals you set for yourself.

Communication

The team has a WhatsApp group chat with which we regularly communicate during the week. Whilst I expect you to keep up with my/ team communications I will expect you to manage your work/life balance.I am happy to discuss any issues that are impacting your ability to fulfil your potential or my/our expectations.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per month. These meetings will be a mixture of face-to-face and via video chat or telephone. I am usually contactable for an instant response 3 or 4 days per week.

Work Patterns

Certain tasks in my lab need to occur at set times, and students need to be able to commit to a rota/timetable shared with other members of the team.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 weeks' notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Mechanistic Assessment of Polyols in Combination with Model Antifungal Agents on Candida albicans Biofilms

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Mechanistic Assessment of Polyols in Combination with Model Antifungal Agents on Candida albicans Biofilms

Secondary Supervisor(s): Professor Rebecca Drummond

University of Registration: University of Birmingham

BBSRC Research Themes:

Understanding the Rules of Life (Microbiology)
Integrated Understanding of Health (Pharmaceuticals)

Project Outline

Fungal infections impact billions worldwide and pose a major challenge in infectious disease management, particularly due to rising fungal resistance and limited antifungal therapies. Candida albicans, the primary etiological agent of oral thrush and invasive candidiasis, demonstrates multiple virulence mechanisms including biofilm formation. Although nystatin and azole antifungals are frequently administered, resistance rates continue to rise. Furthermore, the poor solubility and low permeability of nystatin restrict its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy (Sousa et al., 2023).

Our previous research has shown that multifunctional excipients, including amino acids and polyols inhibit microbial biofilms. Specifically, D-Glu and D-Asp bind to extracellular DNA, which weakens the extracellular matrix and allows antibiotics to penetrate and eliminate bacteria (Warraich et al., 2020). Additionally, a recent study found that polyols combined with chlorhexidine exhibit synergistic activity against S.mutans and C.albicans biofilms.

This project aims to investigate the mechanistic basis of polyols in combination with chlorhexidine and model antifungal agents on C.albicans biofilms. To achieve this, temporal analysis of biofilm disruption in the presence of polyols will be conducted using dynamic biofilm models. Mechanistic studies will utilise Candida mutant strains that are defective in biofilm formation and host invasion. The impact of polyols on virulence factors, including the expression of genes will be evaluated using qPCR. The architecture of fungal biofilms will be examined with matrix-specific stains using CLSM. FTIR will be used to study molecular interactions between polyols and antifungals. Finally, the most effective antifungal-polyol formulations will be developed in the approved GMP facilities at Quest Pharma Ltd. The primary outcome will be the development of novel antifungal combinations exhibiting enhanced efficacy based on mechanistic evaluation.

APPLY HERE