This project aims to characterize the SPFM10 jumbo phage and understand its structural and molecular mechanisms of bacterial recognition, binding, and infection. These insights will be essential for developing a phage therapy strategy to combat foodborne NTS(Non-typhoidal Salmonella) infections, particularly those involving MDR strains.
Foodborne infections caused by Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) due to consumption of contaminated meat and poultry is a significant public health concern.
The project involves elucidating Phage-Bacterial Binding Mechanisms and phage therapy development leveraging the insights from the structural studies, strategies to improve SPFM10’s effectiveness against Salmonella. Mutant phages with optimized binding domains or tail fibres will be engineered to enhance specificity and infection efficiency. These modified phages will be tested in in-vitro assays using Salmonella cultures, followed by in-vivo testing in animal models to evaluate their efficacy in neutralizing NTS strains.
The University of Leicester will provide full overseas fee waivers for the duration of their study to all international students.
Apply here https://le.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/funded-opportunities/bbsrc-mibtp
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