Harnessing the potential of plant extracts against oral dysbiosis in the context of diabetes

One fully funded Frederick E Hopper full-time PhD scholarship is available in the School of Dentistry for a start in October 2024. The scholarship will cover UK tuition fees and attract a stipend of £19,237, subject to satisfactory progress.

The award is open to full-time or part-time candidates (UK only) who meet the eligibility for a place on a PhD degree at the School of Dentistry. This project would suit a student with a microbiology or molecular biology background.

Candidates whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study.

Project Summary:

Oral dysbiosis, a microbial imbalance leading to various oral diseases such as caries and periodontitis, poses a significant challenge in oral health. While conventional oral care approaches offer some solutions, exploring alternative strategies is crucial. Microbiome modulation is an active area of research involving various strategies such as the use of prebiotics, probiotics or other compounds with the potential to shift microbial populations towards that of a health-associated one. There is also growing interest in investigating alternative products, such as natural plant extracts in microbiome modulation. However, only sparse evidence of their use has been reported in current preventive strategies. This project benefits from the established collaboration between the dental schools of Brasilia and Leeds to explore the potential of plant extracts against oral dysbiosis, with a specific focus on its implications for individuals with type 2 DM. 

Carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the current evidence on the impact of prebiotics and/or natural compounds, particularly plant extracts, in preventing dysbiosis and associated oral diseases, in both the general population and individuals with type 2 DM. This studentship will involve a work placement at the University of Brasilia to screen molecules like anacardic acids (1) from selected local plant extracts for their antimicrobial, prebiotic activity against key oral pathogens associated with dysbiosis. The project will focus on the use of a well-established ex-vivo biofilm model inoculated with hyperglycemic saliva to assess the efficacy of extracts in inhibiting biofilm formation and modulating the composition of the oral microbiome.

Aims & Objectives

This project aims to deliver high-quality publications (3*/4* REF rating) and contribute to expanding the knowledge base by providing novel insights into the potential of natural extracts against oral dysbiosis, specifically in the context of diabetes. 

The work also aims to develop innovative solutions by laying the groundwork for the development of novel oral care products derived from natural sources, potentially tailored for individuals with diabetes. In addition, it will help strengthen international collaboration by further solidifying the partnership between the dental schools of Brasilia and Leeds. 

Eligibility

Applicants to this scholarship should normally have an Undergraduate degree of 2:1 or above (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject area. A Masters degree is desirable but not essential.

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University’s minimum English language requirements. The minimum English language entry requirement for the Faculty of Medicine & Health is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

How to Apply

To apply for this scholarship opportunity applicants should complete an online application form and attach the following documentation to support their application. 

• A full academic CV
• Degree certificate and transcripts of marks
• Evidence that you meet the University’s minimum English language requirements (if applicable)

To help us identify that you are applying for this scholarship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;

• Select PhD in Dentistry as your programme of study
• Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert
• For source of funding please state you are applying for a Frederick E Hopper Scholarship

For further information please contact the Faculty PGR Admissions Team at fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk