UOS
Freeform Reversible Embedding of Suspended Hydrogel (FRESH) additive manufacturing of sustainable porous calcium phosphate scaffolds for hard tissue engineering
✓ Funded (Competition)
⏰ Closing Soon
🎓 Analytical Chemistry
🎓 Biochemistry
🎓 Biophysics
🎓 Glass
🎓 Inorganic Chemistry
🎓 Nanotechnology
🎓 Pharmaceutical Chemistry
🎓 Physical Chemistry
🎓 Synthetic Chemistry
🎓 Tissue Engineering
3D printing
FRESH printing
bioinks
bioprinting
bone regeneration
calcium phosphate
electrospinning
hydrogel scaffolds
osteoblasts
tissue engineering
This interdisciplinary PhD focuses on FRESH 3D printing of sustainable porous calcium phosphate scaffolds for bone tissue engineering, combining materials science, chemistry, biology, and medicine.
Project Description
Bone constructs manufactured via bioprinting represent a tremendous improvement in patient quality of life. Bioinks provide a suitable environment for cells and structural support.
The aim of this PhD is to manufacture porous scaffolds mimicking trabecular bone tissue using the Freeform Reversible Embedding of Suspended Hydrogel (FRESH) printing technique, where bioink is printed into a sacrificial thermo-reversible bath to maintain shape and mechanical integrity. Polyphosphate gels produced via sol-gel chemistry or coacervation, embedded with therapeutic ions/molecules, will serve as novel bioinks with bone regenerative, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
The printed scaffold is expected to promote bone regeneration via hydroxyapatite formation, supporting osteoblast attachment and proliferation. Structural and morphological characterisation will involve SEM, TEM, thermal analysis, gas physisorption, XRD, and synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Cytocompatibility will be assessed on osteoblasts via MTT testing.
The PhD offers skills in fabrication (3D printing, electrospinning), cell culture, and advanced characterisation techniques.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have a first class or 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in a relevant scientific discipline (Biomaterial Science, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science) with strong interest in bio/nanomaterials. Open to UK and international candidates.
How to Apply
Submit an application via the Chemistry PhD programme page, uploading a document with the project title and name of the relevant supervisor.
Eligibility
UK/Home
EU
International
Supervisor Profile
DD
Dr Daniela Carta, Dr Alessandra Pinna, Dr Jorge Gutierrez-Merino, Prof Mark Baker, Dr Tan Sui
University of Surrey, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
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