Project detail:
Conditions compromising the function of the musculoskeletal system are characterised by debilitating pain and limited mobility. Rehabilitative practices could be significantly improved through real-time monitoring of tissues during exercise and subsequent injury, enhancing our understanding of MSK injury mechanisms. However, this is impossible to achieve in patient populations due to a reliance on specialist instrumentation e.g., MRI, and severe MSK trauma cannot be ethically inflicted in human trials. In vitro 3D bioengineered skeletal muscle models can be used as experimental platforms, with published work recreating exercise, injury and regeneration. However, the current design of bioreactors mean that data collection is severely limited by a reliance on destructive endpoint analysis. Crucially, these systems do not allow spatio-temporal assessment of tissue health in real-time, a critical factor when assessing subtle variations in tissue behaviour associated with injury and healing mechanisms. Therefore, this proposal will consider the design and bioengineering of novel bioreactor systems that enable assessment of MSK tissue function in real-time, as well as validating the resulting prototype bioreactor systems through comparison of tissue outputs against existing methodologies.
This project will be based within the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences (ranked 1st in the world for Sport-related Subjects, QS World Rankings 2021), working alongside academics who are leaders in their field, receiving training in tissue engineering and cellular biology. You will join a cohort of 7 PhD students funded via the National Rehabilitation Centre, ensuring engagement alongside world leading experts in rehabilitation. The project will benefit from working with the School of Design and Creative Arts, receiving training in design process, computer-aided design and prototyping; focusing on 3D printing but including other manufacturing processes. Finally, the project will benefit from collaboration with University of Sheffield’s distinguished Faculty of Engineering, who will provide state-of-the-art manufacturing support to this project.
Entry requirements:
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in sport and exercise science, human physiology, biochemistry or a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the above areas will be an advantage.
English language requirements:
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).
How to apply:
All applications should be made online (https://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research). Under programme name, select Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. Please quote the advertised reference number (SSEHS/AC) in your application.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents (https://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/research-applications/how-start-research-application/).
Continue with Facebook
