Recreating thrombosis models using tissue-engineered arterial constructs: A novel method to reduce and replace mice used in platelet research

We are looking to recruit a PhD student with a relevant biomedical science or bioengineering background to design and develop a microfluidic system incorporating a tissue-engineered arterial construct as an alternative to current animal experiments. This work will principally be conducted in the Institute for Science and Technology of Medicine (ISTM) in Keele University. The project will involve collaboration with leading research groups in both the University of Reading and Loughborough University.
Upon damage to blood vessels, platelets coordinate the clotting of the blood at the site of injury. However, when platelets become activated inappropriately inside undamaged blood vessels, they can block blood supply to the heart and brain, triggering life-threatening heart attacks and strokes. As these acute cardiovascular events are amongst the leading causes of premature death in the UK, being able to visualise the process of normal and abnormal blood clotting could help develop new treatments. Previous studies have developed intravital imaging techniques to watch the clotting processes when blood vessels of anaesthetised mice are artificially damaged. This technique has provided valuable insight into the molecular events underlying blood clotting, and has been adopted by leading research groups across the world. This has led to large numbers of mice being used in basic platelet research. In this project we aim to create an alternative to the use of mice in these arterial thrombosis models that should help to reduce and replace the number of mice used in these experiments. Previously we have used tissue engineering principles to grow human arterial constructs that are able to replicate the normal physiological responses both when intact and damaged. These blood vessels could be used to recreate the conditions within the human body, and therefore provide an alternative to studying blood clotting in live mice. This PhD project will further develop these prototype arterial constructs, as well as a microfluidic flow chamber in which we can recreate the blood flow conditions found in the human body using only minimal blood volumes. We will then do a direct comparison of our model with the current intravital imaging experiments to attempt to see if this experimental system can be used as an alternative to conducting these experiments in live mice.
Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to the principal investigator, Dr Alan Harper ([Email Address Removed]).

Applicants should have (or realistically expect to gain) an upper second class (2:1) Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant biomedical science or bioengineering degree. Posts are open to UK nationals. EU nationals, who have spent at least 3 years prior to the application resident in the UK, are also eligible to apply.

Please include the studentship reference number: ISTM2018-01