Development of advanced biocidal formulations of hypochlorous acid produced by novel electrochemical activation of brine for the veterinary and healthcare sectors

Electro-chemical activation (ECA) is an electrolysis process which converts saturated brine solution under highly specific and controlled conditions to aqueous hypochlorous acid (HOCl) which is a potent antimicrobial sanitiser. The ECA solutions, or anolyte solutions are sustainably generated, with hypochlorous acid concentrations ranging from 200 – 2,000ppm using proprietary technology and marketed as a liquid biocide and sanitiser. HOCl is a potent biocide which is  safe to use, non-toxic and non-hazardous and is environmentally friendly, leaving no residue after use (dissociating to H+ and OCl–, denaturing and aggregating proteins thus avoiding bioaccumulations) and no reports of resistance. Safe to use on both abiotic and biotic surfaces, providing opportunities to develop advanced formulations for infection prevention and control. Initial collaborative work has confirmed potent antimicrobial activity of the ECA solutions against viruses, bacteria, biofilms and spores of B. subtilis. Preparation of stable formulations from ECA solutions, eg. viscous liquid formulations and semi-solid formulations such as gels/hydrogels with enhanced residence time at site of application, represents a significant unmet need and market opportunity for non-antibiotic interventions in the veterinary sector and in infection control

Aim

The aim of the proposed research is to develop formulations for broad application in the veterinary and healthcare sectors, bringing together novel ECA-anolyte generation system, capable of rapidly delivering high volumes of electrolytically activated anolyte (hypochlorous acid >1000ppm), with world leading formulation science and microbiology at QUB, to develop validated biocidal formulations, with the initial focus on development of an antibiotic-formulations for use with dairy cattle for prevention and control of mastitis outbreaks (which is estimated to cost the global dairy industry $19.7B–32B (USD) annually, with the UK dairy industry £170M annually). However such formulations will be anticipated to have broad, cross-sectoral applications in healthcare (hard surfaces, and infection prevention and control (e.g. hand sanitiser).

Objectives

The primary research challenge is to develop formulations from ECA-derived biocides which are stable and contain excipients which improve residence time on the target surface, without compromising the potent activity of the active agent.

The main objectives therefore are;

(i)                 initial excipient screen for compatibility with ECA-biocide solutions

(ii)               formulation of enhanced viscosity liquid and semi-solid biocidal formulations

(iii)             evaluation antimicrobial efficacy of biocide formulations against a range of human and animal pathogens and biofilms

(iv)             standard/accelerated stability studies of formulation efficacy and

(v)               in-field formulation testing

The student will be based at Queen’s University Belfast but will also benefit from high quality training within an industrial setting, working for extended periods (up to 3 months) with the industry partner.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary research team in the School of Pharmacy, and will benefit from interactions with students and experts in complementary research disciplines and receive training in microbiology, formulation and chemical analysis. In addition, they will gain skills in oral presentation, data analysis and communication. The PhD candidate will enhance their CV and employability by receiving training-through-research and presenting their work at major international conferences, as well as publishing scientific papers in high-impact journals.

Terms and conditions for CAST awards are provided at the link below:

https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/economy/Postgraduate-Studentships-Terms-Conditions-2023-24.pdf

The candidate must be ordinarily resident in the UK or Islands, including the Channel

Islands and Isle of Man, for the full three year period before the first day of the first

academic year of the course, i.e. normally 1 October (or would have been so resident

had the candidate, the spouse or either parent not been employed temporarily

outside the UK or the EU)

For Non-EU nationals – the main purpose of residence in the UK must NOT have

been to receive full time education during any part of that three-year period.

Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme,

who also satisfy a three-year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of

the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering

fees and maintenance.

Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).

Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme

MAY qualify for a “Fees only” Studentship if the candidate doesn’t have three full

years’ residency in the UK and Islands but has been ordinarily resident in the area

comprising the UK, Gibraltar, EEA and Switzerland for three years before the start

of the course.

ROI nationals MAY receive a studentship covering fees only if the candidate

doesn’t have three full years’ residency in the UK and Islands but has been

ordinarily resident in the area comprising the UK, Gibraltar, EEA and Switzerland

for three years before the start of the course.

Applicants should have a 1st or 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. Relevant subjects include Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Formulation Sciences, Microbiology or a closely related discipline. Students who have a 2.2 honours degree and a Master’s degree may also be considered, but the School reserves the right to shortlist for interview only those applicants who have demonstrated high academic attainment to date.

Postgraduate Research applicants must have applied to Queen’s, via the Direct Applications Portal.

https://dap.qub.ac.uk/portal/user/u_login.php

http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofPharmacy/Research/PostgraduatePositions/

http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofPharmacy/Research/