A 3D-Printed Blood-Brain-Barrier-on-a-Chip for Agrochemical Permeability Studies – CASE Studentship

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) tightly regulates the flow of material between the bloodstream and the brain. One of the big problems faced by a range of sectors, from pharmaceuticals to agrochemicals, is understanding how compounds interact with and cross this barrier. One approach to solving this problem is to design model systems that reproduce the behaviour of the BBB in a lab. Researchers currently rely on 2D in vitro models, which are overly simplistic, or low-throughput animal models, which are ethically questionable and produce data of limited translational relevance. In this project, you will use a 3D printing technique called ‘direct ink writing’ to fabricate a perfusable BBB model (a ‘BBB-on-a-Chip’) that recapitulates human BBB physiology with unprecedented accuracy [1, 2]. You will introduce brain endothelial and parenchymal cells into the printed structures and use confocal fluorescence microscopy, image analysis, and a range of analytical chemistry techniques to study cell behaviour and the ability of your model to reproduce physiological BBB properties. This innovative in vitro tool has the potential to reduce the use of animal models in screening for potential toxicological effects early in the development of novel pesticides supporting chemical design for safety.

Throughout the project, you will work in close collaboration with our industrial partner, Syngenta, to study how agrochemicals interact with your model BBB, enabling you to develop a tool for future interrogation of neuropathy, inflammation and axonal degeneration. With 59,000 employees in more than 100 countries, the Syngenta Group is a leading technology company for sustainable agricultural innovation. Syngenta’s mission is to offer large and small farming businesses the tools to address a wide range of challenges associated with crop productivity and health, to manage the effects of climate change and to help preserve biodiversity. Ultimately, innovations from Syngenta Group’s crop protection and seeds divisions help farmers to ensure sustainable food, feed, fibre and fuel production.

Applications

We welcome applicants from a wide range of scientific, clinical, and engineering backgrounds; some experience with cell culture and sterile technique would be advantageous.

Please apply by completing the online postgraduate research application form here: How to apply for a PhD - University of Liverpool 

Please ensure you include the project title and reference number PPPR057 when applying.