Manufacturing a functional human organ requires the ability to produce highly complex 3D multi-vascular networks with high spatial resolution for transport, as well as the ability to incorporate spatial patterning of a multitude of matrix compositions and cell types within the entire volume of the printed scaffold to deliver localized tissue-specific physiological function. The former has been addressed extensively in prior work by Dr Heidari and colleagues with the use of light-based additive processes utilizing spatial light modulators and volumetric photo-patterning of photo-responsive gels. The latter is currently the principal barrier to achieving functional organs.
Larger tissues and organs host multiple cell types that develop and differentiate from smaller cellular clusters and aggregates. The differentiation specificity and tissue growth and development are triggered by environmental stimuli such as mechanical stresses, growth factors, oxygen levels and many other localized biomolecular events that regulate gene expression. These biomolecules, quenchers and growth factors can be activated and deactivated with light. The idea we will pursue in this project is to selectively initiate and inhibit these events across the entire volume of our printed cellular scaffolds to trigger the localized development of tissue in certain regions of our 3D volume using tomographic exposure and Computed Axial Stimulation (CAS). A background in either or multiple of the following areas is desirable: Cell biology, cell culture, 3D printing and AM, biomaterials, photochemistry, polymer engineering, and tissue engineering.
Research group: The Volumetric Biomodulation Lab (VBL) conducts world-leading research in the intersection of state-of-art light-based additive bioprinting technologies and predictive multi-scale in vitro models of human tissue. We focus on techniques to manufacture extreme tissue microenvironments with composite biopolymers to produce 3D models of human tissues and organs. Our work has resulted in numerous US patents and peer-reviewed publications, including papers in journals such as Science, Bioprinting, Biomicrofluidics and Electrophoresis, has been funded by UC Berkeley, SPIE, BASF and CHEMINAS, and has been featured in the Washington Post, the Guardian, Nature, Science and MIT Tech Review.
Funding
The studentship arrangement will cover home tuition fees and provide an annual stipend for up to 3 years (set at £20,622 for 2023/24).
Eligibility
- Available to applicants with UK Home Fee Status and international applicants if willing to make up the difference in fees between home and international rates. (See: http://www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/money/feestatus/ for details of UK Home status)
- The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
- If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).
- Candidates are expected to start from October 2023
Supervisor Contact Details:
For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Dr Hossein Heidari, E-mail: [Email Address Removed]
Further Guidance: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/
Application Method
Apply for this studentship and for entry on the PhD Medical Engineering full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start)
Please be sure to include a reference to SEMS-PHDS-512 to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
Website:https://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/research/studentships/512
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