Professor Paula Mendes

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

She leads the Mendes Research Group, which conducts interdisciplinary research in the area of nanoscience and nanotechnology, and develops methods for controlling the structure and functionality of materials at the molecular and nanometer scale.

The research group works at the interface between engineering, chemistry and biology to answer fundamental scientific questions and develop innovative technology to address current challenges in biofouling, on-demand biosensing and molecular diagnostics to ultimately benefit human health.

Scientific Inspiration

I had the great opportunity to work as a research fellow for 2 years with Professor Sir Fraser Stoddart, 2016 Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry. His love for science and pushing the boundaries of chemistry are remarkable but even more remarkable is the incredible support he gives to young researchers. He provides them with the tools and support they need to succeed in their careers.

Research Groups

Mendes Research Group

Healthcare Technologies Institute (HTI)

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: goal-driven, supportive, organised.

Provision of Training

Training needed throughout the project will be discussed during monthly meetings and arrangements will be made to make it possible. It can be either external training or internal training provided by experienced post docs/PhD students in the research group.

Progression Monitoring and Management

During our monthly formal meetings (which will happen in addition to our ad-hoc meetings), we will be discussing progress and agree on a plan of action for the next month.

Communication

You can easily reach me via email and you hear back from me quite quickly (same day or day after).

The research group has a WhatsApp group chat with which they (I am not part of it) regularly communicate during the week and weekends. They find it quite useful to know what is going on in the lab.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meeting

At least once per week

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once per week

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once per fortnight

In year 3 of PhD study

At least once per month

These meetings are mostly face to face, and I have an open door policy, though my pattern of being contactable for an instant response is not predictable.

Working Patterns

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings), I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 weeks' notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Smart Materials: Harnessing Sound to Combat Bacterial Growth

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).

Smart Materials: Harnessing Sound to Combat Bacterial Growth

Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Tim Overton

University of Registration: University of Birmingham

BBSRC Research Themes:

Understanding the Rules of Life (Microbiology, Structural Biology)

Project Outline

Bacterial biofilms pose major challenges in healthcare and industry, colonizing surfaces such as implants, catheters, food processing equipment, and pipelines. They cause infections, contamination, clogging, and efficiency loss. Although widely studied, current anti-biofilm strategies remain limited in long-term effectiveness. Chemical antimicrobials, for example, risk fostering multidrug-resistant bacteria. Recent findings show bacteria respond to mechanical stimuli, with vibrations able to disrupt adhesion and biofilm growth. However, existing vibration-based methods depend on bulky external equipment, restricting practical use.

This project aims to create self-sustaining polymer materials that harvest ambient acoustic energy (e.g. hospital or industrial noise) and convert it into localised vibrations to prevent bacterial attachment. This non-chemical, dynamic approach offers a new route to combat biofilms.

Objectives

Develop acoustic energy-harvesting polymers: Design materials that capture ambient sound across diverse frequencies and convert it into nanoscale vibrations.

Integrate with antibacterial surfaces: Combine these polymers with nanostructured surfaces to enhance bacterial disruption via simultaneous static and dynamic effects.

Test bacterial responses: Assess how pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa react to vibrational stimuli, focusing on adhesion, biofilm formation, and mechanotransduction.

Prototype applications: Create practical devices for healthcare (e.g., urinary catheters) and industry (e.g., heat exchangers, food processing surfaces).

APPLY HERE