Macromolecular Engineering LaboratoryOpen OpportunitiesThe study of small-molecule supramolecular hydrogelators (SMSHs) is of great interest, both fundamental and applicative. Their self-assembly most often leads to the formation of fibrillar structure and can be used as a model for the fibrillation of biologically-relevant entities, also their ability to form gels with tunable mechanical properties suggest many promising materials-related applications. In this context, aminoacid-based SMSHs (AA-SMSHs) have a special relevance because of opportunities offered e.g. in terms of biocompatibility and biomimetics, as well as in terms of variety of molecular design possibilities. Usually, the sol-gel behavior of AA-SMSHs is pH-dependent thanks to the presence of one or more pH-responsive groups, especially carboxylic acid –COOH ones. For these reasons, pH-responsive SMSHs (aminoacid-based and non) have been and still are the subject of intense investigation. Nevertheless, their behavior is far from being completely understood. - Biological and Medical Chemistry, Biomaterials, Materials Engineering, Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules, Supramolecular Chemistry
- Bachelor Thesis, Internship, Master Thesis, Semester Project
| Are you interested in designing novel hydrogel materials? We have a project available that focuses on formulating high-performance hydrogels for load-bearing applications. - Chemistry, Engineering and Technology
- Bachelor Thesis, Master Thesis, Semester Project
| Embark on a journey with the Swiss watch industry, renowned for its dedication to handcrafted excellence. Together, we're delving into the realm of advanced materials to enhance the art of watchmaking. Our focus lies in developing a groundbreaking photo-cleavable crosslinker, a key player in the application of resins onto watch dials as temporary masks during surface finishing. Join us in pioneering the fusion of craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology! - Organic Chemical Synthesis, Polymers
- ETH Zurich (ETHZ), Master Thesis
| Photo-reversible chemistries have opened new possibilities especially in the field of biomedical engineering and our lab has contributed to this process by research on hydrogels based on various dynamic chemistries. We now want to adapt one known and working photo-cleavable linker in a system that is based on organic solvents rather than water. This would allow for the use of the material in a wide range of industrial applications including the digital printing of temporary masks during surface treatments. - Macromolecular Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Polymers, Printing Technology
- Master Thesis, Semester Project
| Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most widespread nutritional deficiencies worldwide, increasing the risk for disability and death for more than two billion people. Iron supplements are needed for prevention of iron deficiency, especially among infants, children and pregnant women, and for correction of IDA in all affected individuals. Conventional iron supplements, commonly cause nausea, epigastric discomfort and other gastrointestinal side effects that lead many individuals to discontinue and avoid their use.
In this project, gastric resident systems (GDSs) will be produced using advanced manufacturing approaches (e.g., 3D printing) and the resulting release kinetic of the bioactive compounds will be characterized. Based on the results, different GDSs 3D design, formulations, and combination of active compounds will be tested. - Biology, Chemistry, Engineering and Technology, Medical and Health Sciences
- Master Thesis, Semester Project
| Dynamic hydrogels are being increasingly used for various applications, ranging from thermal stabilization of biologics to biosensors or injectable biomaterials. However, their mechanical behavior is still relatively poorly understood. In this project, we aim to understand the behavior of dynamic hydrogels when flowing, i.e. when subjected to shear stress. Preliminary experiments in a rheometer have shown fascinating behavior, where the gel extrudes out of the rheometer in a solid-like fashion while the apparent viscosity drops by a few orders of magnitude. We were then able to reproduce this phenomenon using a home-built microfluidic setup. We would now like to quantify this phenomenon in order to improve our understanding. - Chemical Thermodynamics and Energetics, Fluid Physics, Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules, Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
- ETH Zurich (ETHZ), Master Thesis
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