Sarah Boyce

Sarah Boyce

Email: sb3143@hallam.shu.ac.uk
Research Centre: BMRC
PhD Thesis Title: Preventing Periprosthetic Joint Infection: Validating A Drug-Release Sol-Gel Coating in an Ex-Vivo Model
Director of Studies: Dr Tim Nichol
Supervisors: Professor Christine Le Maitre, Professor Tom Smith

SUMMARY

Following an undergraduate degree in Genetics and Microbiology, Sarah embarked on a 12-year Science teaching career. In 2018 she completed her MSc at SHU, and is now enjoying her PhD research and Graduate Teaching Assistant role. Sarah’s research interests are bone infection, ex vivo 3D models and biomaterials development.

RESEARCH

Annually, more than a 250,000 people undergo joint replacement surgery in the UK. However, 1-3% result in devastatingly painful joint infections which are extremely difficult to treat due to the antimicrobial resistance of the bacterial biofilm formed on the joint and implant surfaces. A novel, ultra-thin, silica based sol-gel device coating developed at Sheffield Hallam University has great potential as a local, tailored delivery method for antimicrobials, preventing bacterial growth on implant surfaces without toxic effects.

This research involves evaluating and optimising biofilm growth inhibition, antibiotic release, biocompatibility and osseointegration. This includes development of an ex vivo bone infection model which will reduce the need for the use of animals in bone healing experimentation in future research.

It is a huge privilege to be involved in developing such a promising biomaterial which will improve lives, reducing the burden of joint infection on healthcare and patient wellbeing.