Extended Research Work, LJMU. Summer 2012.

This competitive externally funded (IChemE Pharma Special Interest Group) research was conducted under the supervision of Dr. E. Gaskell. I planned and organised the project, directing its focus. The project focussed on surface chemistry, determining the optimal conditions for binding doxycycline to a range of clay minerals including: montmorillonite and Laponite® for eventual use in wound management. The project developed into a determination of the theoretical maximum amount of the antibiotic that could be adsorbed onto each clay in mono, and multiple layers looking at topological radiuses and fitting adsorption isotherm equations (Langmuir and Freundlich). I used many analytical techniques including: IR and UV spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, freeze drying, electron microscopy (SEM) and biological testing against a range of bacteria and human cell cultures. I also gained experience with HPLC analysis. The data from this was then presented in a paper at the ‘IChemE’ seminar. Working closely with a PhD student during this research also gave me an insight into and prepared me for undertaking a PhD.

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Masters Dissertation Project; “Investigation into the antibacterial properties of Silver/ Phosphate and Silver exchanged Montmorillonite and Laponite®”, LJMU- 2011/12.

This project focussed on determining the optimal conditions needed to bind metal ions (silver) onto synthetic clays, and assessing their subsequent release and suitability for use as an antibacterial material in wound management. Optimal conditions for binding: temperature, concentration, pH and the presence/absence of a co-binder (phosphate) were determined. This project gave me experience in IR and UV spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, freeze drying, electron microscopy and biological testing against a range of bacteria. To work out the silver bound to the clay minerals I developed an assay determining Silver ions in solution using standard lab equipment as there was not a method for doing this in published literature.