Overview
Title: Study of piezoelectric biomaterial-based scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Study program: Biomedical Technology and Bioinformatics
Supervisor: Rima Paul, PhD
Topic description:
Signal conduction stiffness in scaffold-based tissue engineering therapies interferes with normal signaling pathways notwithstanding their therapeutic advantages. Consequently, physiological applications necessitate smart biomaterials that produce and convey bioelectric signals akin to biological tissues. Piezoelectric biomaterials respond to moderate mechanical stress by generating electrical impulses that activate signaling pathways and facilitate tissue repair. Illness or injury can cause bone abnormalities. The conventional site-specific critical degeneration treatment is detrimental. Notwithstanding the existing advantages of tissue engineering, its application is constrained by cellular and growth factor therapies. Consequently, the repair and regeneration of hard tissue are necessary. Engineered piezoelectric tissue analogs can reinstate cellular functioning. The project focuses on developing, characterizing, and conducting the required multidimensional analyses for bone tissue engineering using scaffolds made of piezoelectric biomaterials. The project will primarily be carried out in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, however, collaboration with our partner universities and organizations is anticipated.
Your task:
- Preparation of piezoelectric biomaterial by chemical synthesis route
- Fabrication of the scaffolds using 3D bioprinter
- Characterization of the material using different microscopic and spectroscopic analyses
- Explore piezoelectric properties of the synthesized material
- Investigate its biocompatibility and make in-vitro and in-vivo studies for bone regeneration
Requirements:
- Candidates having a deep interest in the development of materials for biomedical applications
- A relevant degree with appropriate science/engineering knowledge
- English communication skills
We offer:
- Our core objective is to provide doctoral students with a supportive and highly scientific work environment that fosters collaboration
- The doctoral students complete 3-6 months of internships at partner universities abroad
- The Department provides doctoral students with a scholarship beyond the state scholarship in the form of a supplementary stipend or salary when participating in a grant project
For more information about this topic please contact, Rima Paul – paul@vut.cz
Relevant publications:
- Jacob et. al., Inflammation and Regeneration (2018) 38:2; doi: 10.1186/s41232-018-0059-8
- Nain et. al., Biomaterials (2024)307: 122528; doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122528
- Polak et. al., Applied Surface Science (2023) 621: 156835; doi: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2023.156835
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.
