Scientific PhD Chemistry Sample Topics with Abstracts
Synthesis and characterisation of ferrous sulfide metal nanocatalysis (nFeS) from sulphur-reducing fungi for green chemistry applications
Nanocatalysts have recently emerged as highly powerful tools in green chemistry, offering high surface areas combined with unique quantum properties leading to enhanced reaction efficiency with minimal environmental impact. The aim of the work is to produce iron sulfide-based nanocatalysts to remove heavy metals from wastewater through the formation of coordination compounds. Other important applications are expected to include the support of sustainable chemical processes, such as carbon-carbon coupling, oxidation, and hydrogenation. The indicated processes are heavily used in modern industry, which underlines the importance of developing effective catalysts.
Cadmium sulfide metal nanoparticles (nCdS) are synthesised using the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. This fungus releases a mixture of enzymes, mediating the extracellular formation of CdS nanoparticles. Although the approach demonstrated its efficiency in the case of cadmium, its application to the generation of iron-based nanoparticles is limited. Characterisation of the generated iron sulfide nanoparticles can be carried out using well-established methods of instrumental analysis, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy (3D-EEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). By combining the information provided by the indicated analysis methods it will be possible to evaluate structural properties of the generated nano compounds as well as assess their catalytic properties. From the experimental perspective, it is expected that the fungus will mediate the reduction of sulphate (SO42-) into sulfide (S2-), with metabolised substances performing the role of complexing agents that coordinate with iron sulfide to produce a biofunctional form of fungus-nFeS. A possible advantage of this synthetic approach is the fact that the attachment of the iron sulfide to the fungi surface protects the respective cells from heavy metal toxicity in water purification applications. The generated iron nanoparticles are expected to effectively remove zinc, manganese, nickel, copper, cadmium, and lead from wastewater.
CRISPR-Cas9 technology optimisation in T cell engineering for cancer immunotherapy applications
Cancer is a serious medical condition that causes millions of deaths globally every year. At the same time, tens of millions are living with the disease and a constant necessity of expensive treatment to suppress its development into aggressive forms. Lung, breast, and colorectal cancers are the major forms of the disease. Deterioration of the global environment and food quality reduction in combination with the increasing world population results in the expected rise of new cancer cases by more than 70% within the coming decade. A substantial financial burden is associated with the condition, highlighting the necessity of exploring new, potent and cost-effective treatment methods.
In recent years, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology has revolutionised cancer research through precise modifications of immune cells in order to enhance their efficiency against target tumours. The work aims to investigate the use of the CRISPR-Cas9 technology in the engineering of T cells, specifically targeting major immune checkpoints, such as CTLA-4 and PD-1. In particular, by knocking out specific genes responsible for the suppression of the immune system within the respective tumour microenvironment, the research aims to increase the efficiency of T cells against cancerous formations. The experimental section of the work will be focused on optimising the current delivery approaches for CRISPR-Cas9 by using both viral and non-viral vectors. As a result, it is expected to maximise the editing effectiveness, while at the same time reducing the number of off-target effects. The therapeutic potential of the generated T cells will be assessed by deploying in vivo models. The same approach will also be used to monitor cytokine production, immune cell infiltration, and the resulting tumour regression. It is expected that personalised cancer immunotherapies can be developed based on the research outcomes, reducing tumour evasion from the responses of the immune system, and providing better patient outcomes.
Investigation of antibiotic resistance mechanisms in multi-drug resistance bacteria using whole genomic sequencing, transcriptomic analysis and computer modelling
Multidrug-resistant organisms, or MDROs, are defined as bacteria that show resistance to treatment using more than one antibiotic. This issue is highly important because these organisms are commonly found in hospitals and other long-term care facilities. In the dominating number of cases, MDROs affect patients who are either very ill or elderly with compromised immune systems. The widespread use of antibiotics in such facilities heavily contributed to the development of new bacteria strands that are effective against modern methods of treatment.
The rise of multi-drug resistance bacteria globally imposes a considerable burden on the healthcare system and public health in both developing and developed countries. The work aims to better understand the biomolecular and biochemical mechanisms associated with the development of antibiotic resistance in MDRO strains of bacteria, focusing on target enzyme mutations, plasmid-mediated resistance, and efflux pumps. By using transcriptomic analysis and whole-genome sequencing, the research will identify genes involved in the formation of resistance towards commonly used antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and beta-lactams. In addition to the above, the work will explore how horizontal gene transfer contributes to the dissemination of resistance genes in the studied bacterial population. One of the main goals of the study is to identify potential inhibitors of the corresponding resistance mechanisms, which have the potential to restore the efficiency of antibiotics currently available on the market. Identification of compounds that will be able to restore drug efficiency can be carried out using the MOE (Molecular Operating Environment) software package. The program will assess the interaction of compounds present in its database with MDRO and predict a range of new ones for the following synthesis in the laboratory and testing. Investigation of the outlined biochemical pathways is of paramount importance to the development of new therapeutic strategies to combat MDRO bacteria-caused infections.
The development of new solid-state battery polymer-based electrolytes for the next generation of energy storage
Long-term energy storage plays a paramount role in the modern economy, where efficiency and affordability are critical. Although such batteries have the potential to substantially reduce the global dependence on oil, negative environmental impacts associated with the mining of lithium-containing ore, its processing, limited availability in difficult-to-reach locations, and processing of used lithium batteries underline the necessity of looking for potential alternatives.
Solid-state batteries, or SSBs, have the potential to considerably surpass the currently used traditional lithium-ion batteries in terms of longevity, safety, and energy density. The indicated features make SSBs highly attractive solutions for the production of modern electric vehicles and other applications where long-term storage of renewable energy is necessary. The goal of the work is to develop new solid electrolytes and interface engineering to overcome the primary challenges associated with solid-state batteries, such as dendrite formation and low ionic conductivity. In the experimental section of the work, polymer-based and ceramic electrolytes will be synthesised and characterised. The respective characterisation will include the possibility to withstand a high-energy-density environment, assessment of mechanical properties, and electrochemical stability. Computational chemistry is expected to form an important part of the research. In particular, the information regarding the currently used polymer thin-film electrolytes will be analysed, and new materials will be developed based on the results of the analysis. Following the material synthesis, advanced instrumental characterisation techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or impedance spectroscopy, will be used to monitor the course of the electrochemical processes taking place at the electrolyte-electrode interface. As an expansion of the work, it will also be aimed to optimise the production of SSB prototypes along with the investigation of possible scaling methods for the following commercial applications. The outlined work is highly important, because successful outcomes will ensure the development of new, more effective and safer energy storage solutions, contributing to the development of environmentally friendly transportation solutions and energy storage systems.
Synthesis of ion-exchange resins for the optimisation of biodiesel production through a transesterification reaction
Global oil & gas natural resources are diminishing, which underlines the necessity of exploring alternative energy options. The necessity of moving away from petrochemical resources is also associated with their considerable environmental impact. In particular, internal combustion engines are known to release substantial amounts of nitrogen/sulphur oxides in combination with particulate matter. This mixture contributes to the propagation of global warming and the deterioration of global air quality.
Biodiesel has recently been put forward as an environmentally friendly alternative to commonly used diesel obtained from crude oil. This type of fuel is produced through a transesterification reaction using vegetable oil and alcohol (methanol/ethanol) as starting materials. Both acidic and basic catalysts can be used to promote this process. However, one of the major issues with such an approach is the necessity to carry out an effective removal of the active catalyst from the final product. The issue is of paramount importance, because either elevated or reduced pH has the potential to propagate engine corrosion, imposing additional strain on maintenance. Another reason for catalyst recovery is the necessity to reduce biofuel production costs along with addressing the necessity to constantly supply new portions of the catalyst.
The synthesis of new catalysts is expected to be a straightforward, two-step process. During the first step, several distinct polymer precursors will be co-polymerised. At this stage, it is possible to optimise the physical properties of the final product by changing the chemical nature and relative compositions of the respective monomers. The second stage is the functionalisation step, where either cations or anions will be introduced to generate an acid or a base exchange side on the polymer chain. Characterisation of the generated polymers will include DOSY NMR and rheology for molecular structure and mass spectrometry for the analysis of chemical composition.
