Přehled

Title: Organs-on-a-chip for drug screening, environmental pollution assessment, and nanoplastics toxicity evaluation.
Study program: Biomedical Technology and Bioinformatics
Supervisor: Zdenka Fohlerova, PhD

Topic description:

The absence of predictive platforms that accurately mimic human physiology highlights the need for more physiologically relevant models. Such models enable a comprehensive and systematic assessment of the toxic properties of micro- and nanoparticles from environmental pollutants (e.g. metal nanoparticles, plastics) or facilitate the screening of newly developed drugs. Advances in microfabrication techniques have enhanced the ability of organ-on-a-chip (OOC) models to replicate vivo-like microenvironments and physiological responses, offering a promising avenue for nanotoxicological research.

Your task:

  • Design of OOC leading to the improvement its accuracy by eliminating unspecific nanomaterial/drug adsorption while maintaining cellular function (utilization of alternative material or surface modification)
  • Developing body-on-a-chip model that consists of multiple engineered tissues to analyse potential indirect effects of nanoparticles/drugs.
  • The quantify the overall tissue in real-time fashion will enhance the utility of organ-on-a-chip system (integration of electronic components enabling the analysis of biological molecules and detection of cellular functional changes).

Requirements:

  • A theoretical background in material science and organ/body on a chip technology desired
  • Experience in chip design, microfluidics, and lithography is advantageous
  • Motivation and creativity
  • Good communication skills

We offer:

  • A supportive and friendly work environment
  • Cell lab with personal support in cell culturing and microscopy
  • Publication in high – quality journals
  • Opportunity to apply for student projects to secure independent financial support

For more information about this topic please contact Zdenka Fohlerova – fohlerova@vut.cz

Relevant publications:
Leung, C.M., de Haan, P., Ronaldson-Bouchard, K. et al. A guide to the organ-on-a-chip. Nat Rev Methods Primers 2, 33 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43586-022-00118-6

How to apply:

Please apply and submit your motivation letter and CV via university website from April 1 to April 30, https://www.vut.cz/eprihlaska/cs/zadani/vybrat-obor/fakulta/5

Funding:
Funding is provided as a combination of part-time or full-time research projects and/or regular scholarships.

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