Optical manipulation of biomimetic soft interfaces

Application details:
Reference number: WS27
Start date of studentship: 1 January 2020
Closing date of advert: 16 September 2019
Interview date: TBC

Supervisors:
Primary supervisor: Francois Nadal
Secondary supervisor: Guido Bolognesi

Loughborough University
Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014). In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Doctoral College, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.
Find out more: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/supporting-you/research/

Full Project Detail
Biomimetic structures, based on multiple compartments delimited and interconnected by soft interfaces, have shown a great potential as minimal cells in synthetic biology, simplified model systems for biophysical/biochemical studies and smart containers for drug delivery and microreactor technologies. Consequently, there is a great interest in developing new strategies for the manufacturing of such soft structures as well as exploiting their properties for a wide range of applications, especially in healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

This research project aims at developing new synthetic biomimetic systems, made of cell-like micro-compartments connected by nanotubular structures, and investigate liquid and particle transfer processes occurring therein. The successful candidate will produce and characterise these multiscale structures by using a range of optical techniques, including fluorescence/confocal microscopy and optical tweezers. He/she will also develop analytical and numerical models to interpret the experimental results and unveil the fundamental physical and chemical mechanisms governing the functions and properties of these structures. This research will be performed in collaboration with partners based in other UK institutions, including Imperial College London, University of Sheffield and the Central Laser Facility (STFC).

Entry requirements
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Physics or Mechanical Engineering or a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage: Applied Mathematics, Theoretical and Experimental Fluid Dynamics, Colloids and Interface Science.

Successful students will be notified by 30 September 2019.

Contact details
Name: Francois Nadal
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: +44 (0)1509 227057

Name: Guido Bolognesi
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: +44 (0)1509 222505
How to apply:

All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select ‘Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering’

Please quote reference number: WS27