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Fully Funded PhD Studentship.
Project summary
Bone tissue engineering combines stem cells and biomaterials to produce functional grafts to replace or repair injured/missing bone tissue. This project will develop a composite (polymer/hydrogel) biomaterial for bone tissue therapies. This will have the potential to be used with or without stem cells, depending on the application.
Project aims and objectives
This project fits into the Genetics, Cell and Molecular Biology (GCMB) area within the School of Healthcare Science, which was successful at the last REF because of its strengths in imaging, biomaterials and regenerative medicine and ageing.
Polymers are biomaterials suitable for tissue engineering because of its tailorable mechanical properties, however, because of its synthetic nature, they have a limited biocompatibility resulting in poor cell adhesion and survival. This can be overcome by combining polymers with a natural hydrogel.
The aim of this project is to develop polymeric and hydrogel biomaterial for bone tissue therapies, and optimise it for use with or without stem cells for orthopaedic/maxillofacial therapies. This will be achieved by matching the mechanical properties of bone at the same time as mimicking the biomarkers and signals for cell adhesion and proliferation.
The micro-architecture of the new composite will be analysed using micro-tomography and its biocompatibility will be assessed by culturing commercial induced mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in 2D and 3D.
This project includes the following objectives:
The supervisory team include Dr Hidalgo as director of studies and Dr Winwood and Dr Simmons (Manchester Metropolitan), Dr Tsigkou (UoManchester) and Dr Rooney (NHS) as co-supervisors.
Specific requirements of the project
The successful candidate will have, or expect to gain, a 1st class or high 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in Cell Biology, Biochemical Engineering, Clinical Engineering, Biomaterials, Biomedical Science, or allied subjects.
A demonstrable interest to work in a multidisciplinary research environment, good organizational skills and the capacity to carry out precise experimental work safely, are essential. Applicants will require initiative, selfmotivation, excellent communication skills, and the ability to critically evaluate work and disseminate experimental results.
A relevant Master’s degree in tissue engineering, stem cells, cell biology, biomedical science, clinical imaging or biomaterials with previous experience of undertaking independent research would be an advantage.
Essential
Desirable
Student eligibility
UK, EU and international students. Part-funded scholarship may be available for international students.
Supervisory Team
Informal enquiries can be made to:
Dr A Hidalgo
Tel: +44 (0)161 247 1535
Email: a.hidalgo@mmu.ac.uk
Further information can be found on: http://www2.mmu.ac.uk/research/resea...-treatment.php. Closing date: 21st March (9.00am)
Project summary
Bone tissue engineering combines stem cells and biomaterials to produce functional grafts to replace or repair injured/missing bone tissue. This project will develop a composite (polymer/hydrogel) biomaterial for bone tissue therapies. This will have the potential to be used with or without stem cells, depending on the application.
Project aims and objectives
This project fits into the Genetics, Cell and Molecular Biology (GCMB) area within the School of Healthcare Science, which was successful at the last REF because of its strengths in imaging, biomaterials and regenerative medicine and ageing.
Polymers are biomaterials suitable for tissue engineering because of its tailorable mechanical properties, however, because of its synthetic nature, they have a limited biocompatibility resulting in poor cell adhesion and survival. This can be overcome by combining polymers with a natural hydrogel.
The aim of this project is to develop polymeric and hydrogel biomaterial for bone tissue therapies, and optimise it for use with or without stem cells for orthopaedic/maxillofacial therapies. This will be achieved by matching the mechanical properties of bone at the same time as mimicking the biomarkers and signals for cell adhesion and proliferation.
The micro-architecture of the new composite will be analysed using micro-tomography and its biocompatibility will be assessed by culturing commercial induced mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in 2D and 3D.
This project includes the following objectives:
- Manufacturing of a novel biocomposite combining a polymer and a hydrogel (NHS), tailored for clinical use through different manufacturing techniques.
- Characterisation of the novel biocomposite, this will be analysed at MMU for mechanical properties and surface using SEM, nano-indentation and tensile testing; and for micro-structure at UoManchester X-ray facility and Diamond synchrotron.
- Bio-characterisation of the biocomposite will be assessed by in vitro culture of MSC and iPSC (Cellular Dynamics Co) onto the materials using Alamar Blue and Live/Dead assays (Life Technologies) for cell viability, real time PCR/MILLIPLEX assays to quantify bone markers and protein expression, and Fluorescent and confocal microscopy to examine spatial organisation of cells within biocomposites. Micro- and macro-architecture will also be evaluated for constructs (biocomposite scaffolds plus cells).
The supervisory team include Dr Hidalgo as director of studies and Dr Winwood and Dr Simmons (Manchester Metropolitan), Dr Tsigkou (UoManchester) and Dr Rooney (NHS) as co-supervisors.
Specific requirements of the project
The successful candidate will have, or expect to gain, a 1st class or high 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in Cell Biology, Biochemical Engineering, Clinical Engineering, Biomaterials, Biomedical Science, or allied subjects.
A demonstrable interest to work in a multidisciplinary research environment, good organizational skills and the capacity to carry out precise experimental work safely, are essential. Applicants will require initiative, selfmotivation, excellent communication skills, and the ability to critically evaluate work and disseminate experimental results.
A relevant Master’s degree in tissue engineering, stem cells, cell biology, biomedical science, clinical imaging or biomaterials with previous experience of undertaking independent research would be an advantage.
Essential
- Highly motivated
- Knowledge and experience of basic biomaterials processing/characterisation and/or cell culture techniques
- Competent IT skills and effective use of IT
- Good communication and time management skills
- Excellent organisation skills
Desirable
- Experience of x-ray imaging, histology and advanced image analysis
- Research experience with hydrogels, stem cells and cellular assays
Student eligibility
UK, EU and international students. Part-funded scholarship may be available for international students.
Supervisory Team
Informal enquiries can be made to:
Dr A Hidalgo
Tel: +44 (0)161 247 1535
Email: a.hidalgo@mmu.ac.uk
Further information can be found on: http://www2.mmu.ac.uk/research/resea...-treatment.php. Closing date: 21st March (9.00am)