Silica-based Extraction Phases for Nutraceuticals: Analytical Methods for Process Development

About the research project

The application of new in-house developed state-of-the-art 3D printing technology will be applied to produce controlled porosity ceramic hybrid size exclusion and affinity/ion-exchange chromatography extraction phases and membranes. These new sustainable separation technologies will be tested from bench to pilot scale, using direct isolation of metalloproteins from milk and precision fermentation broths as two key industry use cases. This PhD project will specifically focus on the 'Development of Quality Assurance Methods through Hyphenated Analytical Technologies' to help in the development, evaluation and optimization of these new extractive materials. PhD Research Question: Can we develop rapid, precise and accurate analytical methods for extraction process samples, which guide extraction phase development, and so deliver greater assurance and understanding of extraction selectivity and product purity? PhD Conceptual Framework and Methodology: Hyphenated analytical methods typically combine selective high-performance chromatographic separations, either liquid chromatography (LC) or gas chromatography (GC), with mass spectrometric detection (MS). These liquid and gas phase techniques can be coupled with a range of mass spectrometers, from relatively simple single quadrupole-based instruments for routine quantification of known compounds, to advanced high-resolution (HR) instruments (e.g. Orbitrap HRMS) for identification of unknown components within process extracts. Uniquely, all these options are available to this project for the development of bespoke analytical methods for the full biomolecular characterisation of process samples (including characterisation of target proteins, e.g. structure, surface charge, hydrophobicity, etc), ensuring that not only will the project be able to provide recovery, extraction efficiency data and selectivity comparisons for all target biomolecules, but also identify and quantify co-extracted material, and identify potential contaminants or additional high-value compounds. Further, within the scope of this project, two additional analytical capabilities are available, which are particularly advantageous in the evaluation of protein recovery and purity evaluation, specifically capillary zone electrophoresis with UV absorbance detection (CZE-UV), and high-performance ion-exchange chromatography (suppressed ion chromatography), with combined UV absorbance and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric detection (IC-UV-ICPMS).

Primary supervisor

Meet Professor Brett Paull

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

• a living allowance stipend co-funded with ARC of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• 1st Class Hons Degree, or Masters Degree in chemistry, analytical chemistry, analytical biochemistry or closely related subject.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Research experience in application of advanced analytical instrumentation.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Research experience with published outcomes.
• Outstanding communications skills, both written and spoken.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Professor Brett Paull to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 15 January 2027.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

Apply nowExplore other projects