If you would like more information or have any questions about this scholarship, please contact the project supervisors.
Purification of silk proteins for next generation protein-based materials
Applications will remain open until a candidate has been appointed
Supporting a PhD candidate to develop a new method to purify silk proteins using liquid chromatography.
Key details
Project supervisor
Deakin school and faculty
Institute for Frontier Materials
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
Location
Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus
Value and duration
This scholarship is available over three years and offers:
- a stipend of $37,450 per annum tax exempt (2026 rate)
For international students, the awardee will also receive:
- tuition fees offset for the duration of four years
- single Overseas Student Health Cover policy for the duration of the student visa.
Research aim
This PhD project aims to develop a new method to purify silk proteins using liquid chromatography. If successful, it could create a new class of “chromatographically degummed” silk proteins. It will study the properties and interactions of these extracted proteins compared with conventionally processed silk. The project is only possible thanks to a recent breakthrough made by the Deakin silk research team, which developed a new method to re-solubilise silk fibres.
If successful, this could lead to next generation silk-based materials with outstanding mechanical properties. Understanding the properties of the extracted proteins in their undegraded state will also help to answer key questions about how silkworms can spin fibres at room temperature with properties that rival many synthetic fibres. The project will also explore the properties of sericin extracted using a newly developed extraction method. This sericin will be explored for applications such as 3D printing or to develop injectable hydrogels.
Background information
Silkworm silk is a remarkable material; in addition to its use in high end textiles, it has been explored for applications ranging from regenerative medicine, drug delivery, cosmetics and even as edible coatings to preserve fruit and vegetables. To use silk for such applications it must first be “degummed” to remove sericin, the glue that holds the cocoon together. Despite decades of research, the most used degumming method involves boiling cocoons in an alkaline bath to dissolve sericin. This process is damaging to the remaining silk fibres, compromising their mechanical properties and changing silk’s properties in solution completely.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible you must:
- meet Deakin's PhD entry requirements
- enrol full time
- hold an honour's degree (first class) or an equivalent standard master's degree with a substantial research component
Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page for further information.
Additional desirable criteria include:
- a background in chemistry, biology or materials science; experience in protein biochemistry is highly desirable.
Ready to apply?
Please email your CV, academic transcript and example of written work, such as journal article, report or student assignment, to Dr Ben Allardyce. Your CV should highlight your skills, education, publications and relevant work experience. If successful, you will be invited to submit a formal application.
Research degree entry requirements
Set yourself up for success. Each type of Deakin research degree has specific entry requirements designed to ensure that graduate researchers are well prepared for the challenges of advanced study.
