Cell-based therapies for tissue regeneration

A fully funded PhD studentship is available in the group of Dr Arno at the University of Birmingham (https://arnolab.com) in the fields of cell engineering and polymer chemistry. This project is in collaboration with Prof. Matthew Gibson (University of Warwick) and Prof. Alicia El Haj (University of Birmingham). The past two decades have witnessed an explosion of research and clinical application of stem cells, transforming the field of regenerative medicine. Stem cell transplantation provides an alternative approach to overcome traditional transplant drawbacks, such as the limited number of donors and transplant rejections. However, this methodology is limited by poor cell attachment at the targeted site and poor interaction of stem cells with the host’s extracellular matrix (ECM).

In this project, we will explore how sugars present at the cell membrane can be ‘hijacked’ to engineer the surface of stem cells. Through this methodology we can introduce bio-orthogonal functionalities onto the cell surface that can be used to selectively decorate the cell with polymeric chains to promote stem cells adhesion to the host tissue and enhance cell-ECM interactions. This exciting and multidisciplinary project combines the fields of polymer chemistry, stem cell biology, and tissue engineering, with potential for real impact.

The PhD student will acquire multidisciplinary skills in a unique biomaterials’ environment, ranging from polymer synthesis to carbohydrate chemistry, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry. This project combines the research expertise of Dr Arno in the field of precision polymer design[1], Prof. Gibson in the field of cell engineering[2], and Prof. El Haj in cell transplant technologies and tissue regeneration[3]. The student will have access to state-of-the-art equipment and expertise at the School of Chemistry (UoB and UoW), Warwick Medical School, and the Healthcare Technology Institute (HTI, UoB). For further details about the project please see: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/mibtp/pgstudy/phd_opportunities/stem_cells/tissue

Training:

The multidisciplinary nature of this project offers the opportunity to learn skills in a wide range of techniques, from developing new materials to exploiting their performance in a biologically relevant environment. The PhD student will be trained in cell culture and cell engineering techniques, carbohydrate chemistry, 2D and 3D cell culture, confocal fluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry. They will also receive training in a wide range of polymerisation techniques, NMR and IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, fluorescence spectroscopy, and size exclusion chromatography for polymer analysis.

Candidate Selection Process:

• You should hold or expect to receive a good (1st or 2.1 UK or equivalent) degree in Chemistry or a chemical sciences-related subject. Please see https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/mibtp/pgstudy/phd_opportunities/application/ for full eligibility criteria.
• Candidates should have an interest in or experience in polymer chemistry.
• Applicants should submit a PhD application by 10th January 2021. Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact Dr Maria Chiara Arno ([Email Address Removed]) by email before submitting an application, attaching an up-to-date CV.