Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory

Open Opportunities

Materials characterisation and modelling of ideal dynamic covalent hydrogels ETH Zurich Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory Dynamic covalent hydrogels are increasingly used as tuneable cell culture scaffolds, viscosity modifiers for food and industrial applications, and as injectable drug delivery systems owing to their reversible and mouldable nature. In this project, we aim to characterize and model the mechanical properties of ideal dynamic networks. Students will investigate both bulk properties and microscopic behaviour at the junctions of the materials, through dynamic mechanical analysis and different spectroscopic methods. Finally, students will explore different theoretical and computational modelling approaches to link the microscopic behaviour of the binding pairs that form the cross-links to the viscoelastic properties of ideal dynamic covalent networks. Chemistry, Engineering and Technology Bachelor Thesis, Master Thesis, Semester Project

Simulation and experimental characterisation of acoustic cell alignment device ETH Zurich Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory We have developed an acoustofluidic device for alignment of cells inside a hydrogel fibre. Controlling the cell alignment spacing throughout the fibre is an important aspect of this project. This can be achieved by proper characterisation of the device by studying the acoustic modes. Biomaterials, Mechanical Engineering, Polymers Bachelor Thesis, Master Thesis, Semester Project

High-throughput Microfluidic Production of Hydrogel Microspheres ETH Zurich Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory This project involves engineering a droplet based microfluidic platform for high-throughput hydrogel microsphere synthesis to enable scalable production of dynamic tissue engineering scaffolds. Biomaterials, Macromolecular Chemistry, Polymers Bachelor Thesis, Master Thesis, Semester Project

Acoustophoretic cell alignment inside hydrogel fibers ETH Zurich Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory Spatial organisation of cells within a 3D biomaterial is an important challenge in tissue engineering. In this project we are developing an acoustofluidic device for tunable alignment of cells inside a solid hydrogel fibre. Biomaterials, Mechanical Engineering, Polymers Bachelor Thesis, Master Thesis, Semester Project

Hydrogel characterisation and optimisation for tissue mimics ETH Zurich Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory In this project we aim to identify better native matrix mimics to promote cell viability and proliferation. We will also study how spatial organisation of cells can affect the cell growth. Biomaterials, Mechanical Engineering, Polymers Bachelor Thesis, Master Thesis, Semester Project

Biomaterial models to investigate skin diseases ETH Zurich Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is characterized by itchy, eczematous skin due to a skin barrier defect and hyper-sensitivity to environmental conditions. AD affects 15–30% of children and 2–10% of adults in developed countries making it one of the most common skin Biology, Chemistry, Engineering and Technology Bachelor Thesis, Master Thesis