Cardiovascular Ultraprecise Release Enhancer: fabrication of surface amplified Drug coated balloons for optimum drug delivery in angioplasty (CURED)

Imagine designing a medical device that could literally change how we treat heart disease and change the future of heart health. This PhD project is your chance to do just that! In it you will develop next generation devices, the Surface enhanced Drug Coated Balloons (SeDCBs), which deliver medication with surgical precision during angioplasty. You will combine computational modelling, nanoengineering surfaces with plasmas, and advanced future material design to create smarter, safer, and more effective cardiovascular tools.<br /> <br /> Why does this matter? Because cardiovascular disease is still the world number 1 killer. Your work will help reduce repeat procedures, improve long term outcomes, and cut healthcare costs, directly contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).<br /> <br /> In this PhD, you will be part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary team led by Dr Dimitrios Kontziampasis, Prof Neil Bressloff, and Dr Oguz Can Eren, in close collaboration with clinical and industrial partners from Leeds General Infirmary and Arterius Ltd. Based at the Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (iMBE), you will have access to world class facilities and a collaborative research culture that blends academic depth with real world impact. If you are driven by innovation, translational science, and the thrill of solving complex problems this is the PhD for you!<br /> <br /> An inclusive environment and supportive application process, as an international research intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education.<br /> <br /> Interested? Discuss this PhD Opportunity with Dr Dimitrios Kontziampasis by contacting: d.kontziampasis@leeds.ac.uk<br />

<p style="margin-bottom:11px"><strong>Background</strong></p> <p>Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with millions of patients undergoing angioplasty procedures each year. Drug Coated Balloons (DCBs) offer a promising alternative to stents, especially in cases where permanent implants are undesirable, however their clinical performance is still limited by suboptimal drug retention, release kinetics, and mechanical durability. This PhD project addresses the previously mentioned limitations by developing Surface enhanced Drug Coated Balloons (SeDCBs), which integrate biomimetic surface engineering, computational modelling, and advanced fabrication techniques to optimise therapeutic delivery. The research builds on recent advances in atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) processing, enabling precise control over surface chemistry and nano topography without the need for vacuum systems, which makes the process scalable and energy efficient. This project is inherently interdisciplinary, as it is combining materials science, biomedical engineering, and translational device development. It leverages the University of Leeds state of the art facilities for nanofabrication and surface characterisation in the Bragg Centre for Materials Research (part of the Royce Institute), and benefits from strong industrial collaboration with Arterius Ltd, a Leeds-based cardiovascular device company. The inclusion of computational simulations to guide design choices ensures a data-driven approach to innovation, while in vitro biological assays provide early validation of biocompatibility and antirestenotic potential.</p> <p>Arterius Ltd brings vital industry expertise in cardiovascular device development, regulatory pathways, and scalable manufacturing to the University of Leeds. Their longstanding collaboration with iMBE and Prof Bressloff ensures rapid translation of academic innovation into industrial-scale products. Through the PhD project the relationship will deepen, since the PGR will be embedded within Arterius Research and Development facilities for prototype testing, data sharing, and codevelopment of the SeDCBs. Regular joint meetings, shared supervision, and collaborative publications will promote knowledge exchange and align strategic goals. Ultimately, the strengthened partnership will catalyse future collaborative grants (e.g. Invention for Innovation, NIA, KTP), and commercialisation opportunities, benefiting both the University and Arterius.</p> <p>The research area of the PhD is not only technically rich, but also strategically aligned with global health priorities and sustainability goals, offering a unique opportunity for a postgraduate researcher to contribute to impactful and clinically relevant innovation.</p> <p>This PhD project will generate significant impact across medical, academic, and societal domains. In the medical device industry, it will contribute to the development of safer and more effective cardiovascular technologies, reducing complications such as thrombosis and restenosis, while advancing scalable manufacturing techniques for drug eluting devices. Academically, it will expand research in biomaterials, nanomedicine, and interventional cardiology, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and producing high-impact publications that reinforce the University of Leeds leadership in biomedical engineering. Societally, the project promises improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs by minimising the need for permanent implants and repeat procedures. Its innovations also hold potential for broader applications in peripheral artery disease, targeted cancer therapies, and regenerative medicine.</p> <p>The PhD project is structured into three progressive work packages. WP1 (Months 1 to 12) focuses on simulation, where the student will collaborate with Arterius Ltd to define benchmarks for current Drug Coated Balloon (DCB) technologies and use computational diffusion modelling to optimise surface designs for enhanced drug interaction. WP2 (Months 13 to 24) transitions into surface engineering, applying insights from WP1 to tailor polymeric balloon surfaces. These will be characterised using atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and contact angle measurements to refine processing parameters. WP3 (Months 25 to 40) centres on validation and translation, involving drug elution studies under flow conditions (HPLC), mechanical integrity testing (e.g. inflation and adhesion), and in vitro biological assays to assess cell adhesion and smooth muscle inhibition. The final phase integrates all data to optimise SeDCB design for preclinical readiness and support technology transfer.</p> <p><strong>Research objectives</strong></p> <p>Aim</p> <p>To design, and test SeDCBs that deliver therapeutic agents with optimum retention, controlled release, and biocompatibility for cardiovascular interventions.</p> <p>Objectives</p> <ol> <li>Investigate the drug advection and diffusion performance of the SeDCBs surfaces through computational flow simulations and identify optimal designs for fabrication.</li> <li>Apply tools (e.g. APP) for engineering surface nanotopography and chemistry to enhance surface properties.</li> <li>Characterise surface properties, i.e. topography (AFM), chemistry (XPS), wettability (CA) to understand the adherence mechanism of the drug on the SeDCB.</li> <li>Quantify drug elution kinetics and mechanical integrity under simulated physiological conditions.</li> <li>Perform preliminary in vitro biocompatibility and antirestenotic assays.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Training and Career Development</strong></p> <p>The PGR will benefit from the comprehensive training and career development framework. iMBE fosters a vibrant research community through regular meetings, social events, and peer led training. UoL offers skills training in research methods, data management, scientific writing, project management, and leadership. Career support includes tailored guidance from the Careers Centre and access to the BOOST and QUEST programmes. If interested, the PGR can join the Foundations in Teaching programme. PGRs also receive mentorship and specialised training via <a href="https://library.leeds.ac.uk/info/1406/researcher-support">Research@Library</a>. A placement at Arterius Ltd offers industry based experience and skill growth in regulatory development, prototyping, and commercialisation, supporting diverse career pathways.</p> <p><strong>Skills Required</strong></p> <p>This PhD project sits at the crossroads of multiple disciplines, so we do not expect applicants to have expertise across all areas from the outset. Instead, we are looking for someone who is curious, adaptable, and confident navigating across disciplines, that can mean working from computational modelling to experimental surface engineering, and biological testing. The project involves both simulation based design and hands on lab work, so a willingness to engage with both is considered essential for its completion.</p> <p>Applicants should be comfortable learning new techniques, collaborating across academic and industrial teams, and integrating knowledge from materials science, biomedical engineering, and clinical contexts. Strong analytical thinking, problem solving skills, and an enthusiasm for translational research will be key to success in this role, along with confidence in navigating complexity, asking questions, and synthesising knowledge. Ultimately, the most important qualities are passion, desire, and determination to see this project through to completion.</p> <p><strong>The Research Environment</strong></p> <p><strong>Why Study for a PhD at the School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds?</strong></p> <p>The School of Mechanical Engineering at Leeds is a globally recognised centre of excellence, offering PhD students the opportunity to contribute to impactful research across diverse and cutting-edge fields. With 96 percent of research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021), the School is home to four specialist research institutes.</p> <p><strong>Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering</strong> Pioneering innovations in joint replacement and regenerative medicine, with research that has influenced international clinical standards and improved outcomes for over a million patients </p> <p><strong>Institute of Thermofluids</strong> Tackling global challenges in energy, transport, and sustainability through advanced fluid dynamics and heat transfer research</p> <p><strong>Institute of Functional Surfaces</strong> Leading work in tribology, corrosion, and surface engineering, with applications in energy, carbon abatement, aerospace, automotive, and biomedical sectors</p> <p><strong>Institute of Design, Robotics and Manufacturing (iDRaM)</strong> Bringing together over 100 researchers and technical staff to tackle complex challenges in design, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. The institute is renowned for achieving real world impact in applications spanning healthcare, aerospace, and industrial automation.</p> <p>PhD students benefit from access to state of the art facilities, including UK leading labs and simulation platforms, and are supported by the Leeds Doctoral College, which provides tailored training, wellbeing services, and career development opportunities.</p> <p>The School maintains strong industry links with organisations such as GE Global Research, Johnson and Johnson, Honeywell, AECOM, Infineum and Total Energies, offering students opportunities to engage in collaborative projects, attend industry seminars, and build networks that support future careers in academia or industry. </p> <p>Join a vibrant, international research community in a dynamic city, and be part of a university committed to solving real world problems through engineering innovation.</p> <p><strong>Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (iMBE)</strong></p> <p>You will join the multi disciplinary, dynamic Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (iMBE) embedded within the School of Mechanical Engineering and the Faculty of Biological Sciences at the University of Leeds. The IMBE is a world renowned medical engineering research centre which specialises in research and translation of medical technologies that promote 50 active years after 50.</p> <p>As a PhD student within IMBE, there will be opportunities to contribute to wider activities related to medical technologies including public and patient engagement, group training and social events. Groups of researchers working on aligned projects or using similar methods meet regularly to share ideas and best practice, and we encourage collegiate working. We will support your long term career ambitions through bespoke training and encourage external secondments, laboratory visits or participation at international conferences.</p> <p><strong>Our Commitment to an Inclusive, Equitable and Diverse Research Community</strong></p> <p>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</p> <p>We can help support your application! – Contact our <a href="https://contextualoutreach.leeds.ac.uk/pgr-diversity/access-to-research/">Access to Research Team</a></p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <strong><em>EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Science</em>s </strong>and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong><em>Cardiovascular Ultraprecise Release Enhancer: fabrication of surface amplified Drug coated balloons for optimum drug delivery in angioplasty (CURED)</em> </strong>as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/faculty-engineering-physical-sciences/staff/15435/dr-dimitrios-kontziampasis">Dr Dimitrios Kontziampasis</a> as your proposed supervisor.  <em><strong>Please state in the Finance section that you are applying for the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2026/27: Mechanical Engineering.</strong></em></p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 14 November 2025:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£20,780 in academic session 2025/26) for 3.5 years.  Training and support will also be provided.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to UK applicants only.  All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p>Please note that there is only 2 funded places available and there are 17 projects in competition for this funding.  If you are successful in securing an academic offer for PhD study, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding.</p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ukcisa.org.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7CJ.S.Hewer%40leeds.ac.uk%7C07632c93c06a442dca3d08ddfc172939%7Cbdeaeda8c81d45ce863e5232a535b7cb%7C0%7C0%7C638943898649349324%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nylGSov8jOc7hr6X%2FmfnfQPecbVUnGqgoSqVgPGy5K0%3D&reserved=0">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Dimitrios Kontziampasis by email to <a href="mailto:D.Kontziampasis@leeds.ac.uk">D.Kontziampasis@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>