Student (f/m/d) for master thesis in biomaterials research
For the Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials Research (ZWBF), we are looking for a
Enhancing Cell Survivability in Aqueous Two-Phase Systems (ATPS) for Bioprinting Applications
With flexible starting date! The thesis will be supervised in English.
Scientific Background
Hydrogels are polymeric materials with high water absorption, making them ideal substitutes for the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) in tissue engineering. These versatile materials can be tailored for mechanical properties and biocompatibility to mimic different cell environments. The microstructure and porosity of hydrogels are critical factors affecting cell behavior, including proliferation, migration, and differentiation. By using a novel hydrogel composed of a bicontinuous aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) derived from gelatin-methacryloyl (GelMA) and dextran, it is possible to obtain uniformly separated porous and interconnected porous hydrogels. This is achieved through precise adjustment of the phase separation mechanism and kinetics, followed by crosslinking of the GelMA phase and removal of the dextran phase.
Project Description
This project focuses on improving cell viability within an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) based on Milli-Q water, with the ultimate goal of enabling its use as a bioink in bioprinting. To address this, the project will explore and evaluate a variety of strategies aimed at boosting the survivability of cells in this chemically harsh environment. These strategies include but are not limited to:
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Preconditioning cells.
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Increasing cell density
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Encapsulation within other hydrogels or microgels
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Modifying the ATPS composition
A critical constraint in this work is maintaining the integrity of the phase separation process, which is sensitive to changes in system chemistry. The outcome of this project will further help in the development of ATPS-based bioinks that are both structurally tunable and biologically viable, paving the way for novel applications in 3D bioprinting
Conditions
- A valid certificate of study
- For foreign students: valid residence certificate, work permit, registration certificate
Application:
Please submit your application through our application portal, quoting GB-P-51432. The application deadline is June 18th 2025.
Contact:
For more detailed information please contact Mr Rodrigo Salazar Ortiz, M.Sc.:
E-Mail: rsalazarorti@ukaachen.de
Telefon: +49 (0) 241 80 89231
We look forward to receiving your application!
This position is not gender specific.
The RWTH Aachen University Hospital promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Applications from women are expressly encouraged and if the applicant is suitable qualified, they will be given priority in accordance with the LGG. If suitably qualified, people with a registered disability will also receive priority.
Weekly hours are negotiable.
You should preferably use our digital application portal at www.karriere.ukaachen.de for your application. There you have the option of securing your documents in the electronic application folder to prevent unauthorized access. Applications that reach us by email to: bewerbung@ukaachen.de (this transmission path cannot be as effectively secured) will be transferred to the aforementioned portal and any accompanying documents will be disposed of in accordance with data protection regulations immediately after transfer. After the retention period has expired, the data in the portal will also be deleted. If you do not agree to a transfer to the Application portal your application cannot be considered.