Colloidal particle manipulation in microfluidic devices for healthcare applications

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Project Detail:

A PhD studentship is available at the Department of Chemical Engineering of Loughborough University to experimentally investigate interfacial transport and hydrodynamic mechanisms for colloidal particle manipulation - including trapping, sorting, accumulation and controlled-released – for diagnostics and healthcare applications.

Micro- and nano-particles are ubiquitous in a broad range of industrial applications, including drug delivery, medical diagnostics/therapeutics, pharmaceutics and food. In this context, microfluidics has proven to be a valuable tool for colloidal particle processing (e.g. synthesis, separation, filtration, etc.) and the combination of particle-based and microfluidic technologies can lead to a new generation of “lab-on-a-chip” devices with the potential to overcome many limitations of traditional laboratory technologies.

The aim of this project is to develop and optimise innovative strategies to control the motion and spatio-temporal distribution of functional micro/nano particles in “lab-on-a-chip” devices. The successful candidate will design and fabricate microfluidic systems and characterise the flow/particle interaction through optical microscopy methods. He/she will also use a number of experimental techniques for the synthesis and characterisation of functional particles and undertake proof-of-concept studies to identify prospective applications of the developed “lab-on-a-chip” devices - especially for drug delivery and point-of-care diagnostics. During the project, the candidate will engage in collaborations with other members of the Department and with colleagues of the Institute Lumiere Materie at the University Claude Bernard Lyon 1.

Experience in experimental microfluidics/microfabrication, colloidal and interface science or data analysis/modelling are desirable although not a requisite.

Find out more:

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/chemical/about/people/guidobolognesi/

Entry requirements:

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Physics or a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience will be an advantage.

Funding information:

The studentship provides a tax free stipend of £14,296 (July 2017) / £14,553 (from October 2017) per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. International (non EU) students may apply however the total value of the studentship will be used towards the cost of the International tuition fee in the first instance.

Contact details:

Name: Dr. Guido Bolognesi

Email address: [Email Address Removed]

Telephone number: +44(0) 1509222505

How to apply:

All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select Materials

Please quote reference number: CG-GB-1703