Biodegradable actuator for MECHANICAL STIMULATION of cells in Organs-on-Chip

Mechanical stimulation of cells for the growth of functional tissue is necessary, especially in the context of heart and muscle tissue. The advantage of a biodegradable substrate is that it disappears after a predefined period of time, leaving only the biological tissue for further biological use. The objective of this project is to develop biodegradable actuators for mechanical stimulation of cells in Organs-on-Chip platform.

This project will be performed in close collaboration with biologists from the Netherlands Organ-on-Chip Initiative (NOCI).

Assignment

The student will perform the assignment at ECTM:

• Duration: 9-12 months
• Location: ECTM and EKL facilities at TU Delft

The expected activities

• Synthesis and characterization of biodegradable material to be used in the actuators
• Microfabrication and characterization of biodegradable wireless soft actuators for mechanical stimulation of cells in Organs-on-Chip platform
• Development of a setup to control the actuators
• In vitro study with cells as a proof a concept study

Requirements

You are an ambitious student looking for a challenging thesis project on new materials and microfabrication of actuators for medical applications. You have a biomedical engineering, material science, mechanical or microelectronics background. Good communication skills in English and a pro-active attitude are expected.

Contact

Last modified: 2023-12-05