Macromolecular Engineering LaboratoryOpen OpportunitiesThe aim of this project is to characterize the aggregation behaviour of nanoparticles and relate them to the macroscopic properties of the polymer-nanoparticle hydrogel. - Macromolecular Chemistry, Medical and Health Sciences
- Bachelor Thesis, Master Thesis, Semester Project
| We aimed to design a biomaterial suitable for 3D, in situ stiffening to mimic changes to the dermis during fibrosis and wound healing. By adapting Methacrylated Hyaluoronic Acid (MeHA), a material previously used for 2D in situ studies, to create a 3D macroporous gel comprised of fibrous microgels, we hypothesize we will be able to dynamically increase matrix stiffness without increasing cell confinement, allowing us to identify new mechanotransduction pathways involved in fibrosis and wound healing, specifically myofibroblast activation and macrophage polarization. - Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Macromolecular Chemistry, Materials Engineering, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
- Master Thesis
| The accumulation of metals in tissues can either contribute to or arise from metabolic disorders, resulting in supraphysiological concentrations of deleterious species within organs and tissues. Chronic metal overload can lead to organ failure and arthritis, while in the short term is proinflammatory and complicates wound healing. - Biomaterials, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry
- Bachelor Thesis, Course Project, Internship, Master Thesis, Semester Project
| Hydrogels composed of ultra-high molecular weight polymers exhibit remarkable mechanical properties, including exceptional stretchability exceeding 2000%. This performance stems from the extensive polymer entanglements inherent to their high molecular weight. These entanglements create a dense, interconnected network that distributes stress efficiently, enabling the hydrogel to withstand significant deformation without breaking. The resulting materials combine the advantageous properties of hydrogels, such as high water content and biocompatibility, with superior mechanical robustness, making them ideal for applications in flexible electronics, soft robotics, and biomedical devices. Their ability to endure extreme stretching and recover their original shape highlights their potential in innovative, high-performance material design. - Chemistry, Engineering and Technology
- Bachelor Thesis, Course Project, Internship, Master Thesis, Semester Project
| Multicellular assemblies like microtissues (organoids, spheroids, and tumoroids) can self-organize into 3D structures that mimic native tissues, enhancing drug screening and understanding of physiology. Optical imaging of these microtissues throughout their life cycle is critical but challenging due to their high cell density and size. Microhistology, the histological study of microtissues, has emerged to address this need but requires adapted techniques for microscopic analysis. However, a major challenge is the stochastic placement of microtissues in embedding media, leading to inefficient processing and increased time and cost for analysis. In this project we aim to use acoustofluidics to pre-pattern microtissues to enable high-throughput microhistology and reduce losses in the conventional process. - Biomedical Engineering, Interdisciplinary Engineering, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
- Bachelor Thesis, ETH for Development (ETH4D) (ETHZ), ETH Zurich (ETHZ), Global Summer Program (IARU), IDEA League Student Grant (IDL), Internship, Master Thesis, Semester Project
| Hydrogel materials are crosslinked polymer networks with reversible swelling, tunable porosity, elasticity, toughness, and flexibility. Conventional hydrogels often suffer from weak mechanical properties and display brittle and unstable behaviour limiting their scope for load-bearing applications. Such networks consist of side-chain functionalized polymers, whose covalent crosslinks occur at fixed positions on the polymer backbone (Figure 1A). Upon deformation, tensile stress is concentrated on the closest neighboring crosslinks, eventually leading to their rupture and material failure. Hence, the molecular design of high-performance hydrogels with toughness and elasticity similar to rubber is an emerging area of research in the engineering of polymeric materials with applications towards robust medical materials or soft robotics. - Macromolecular Chemistry, Materials Engineering, Supramolecular Chemistry
- Master Thesis
| Polymer networks are made by cross-linking polymer chains at their ends by means of a chemical reaction. While the properties of used reactions are usually very well characterized for small molecules, little is known about how the presence of a polymer chain and its length affect this reaction. In this project, we aim to study this, mostly experimentally, but also including a theoretical approach. We propose to start with boronic ester chemistry, which has been already characterized in literature and in our lab. the reactants will be functionalized on linear PEG chains. We plan on studying both the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters. - Characterisation of Macromolecules, Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules, Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
- 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
| The Swiss watch industry focuses on perfectioning their capabilities since its beginnings. The use of printable, protective elements during surface finishing processes would allow for a new level of resolution and complexity. Nevertheless, currently used materials are not printable due to their high viscosity and are often hard to remove. We therefore are developing a printable polymeric coating that allows for traceless removal with water. - Chemical Engineering, Colloid and Surface Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Macromolecular Chemistry, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymers
- Bachelor Thesis, ETH Zurich (ETHZ), Master Thesis, Semester Project
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