PhD Research Studentships
Development of sensor materials for 3D flow shear sensing to investigate patterns of cell colonisation within complex porous matrices
| Supervisors: | Steffi KRAUSE, Karin HING, Joe BRISCOE and Stefaan VERBRUGGEN |
| Apply by: | 28 January 2026 |
| Start in: | September (Semester 1) |
Description
Local flow velocities are difficult to monitor and model in complex porous structures. It is therefore challenging to determine how living cells are affected by flow in complex porous matrices such as bone. We have recently carried out preliminary experiments that show the feasibility of mapping local flow velocities on a sensor surface using photoelectrochemical imaging (PEI). We are proposing to develop technology for 3D mapping of fluid flow in porous constructs and then study the effect of local flow velocities on cell growth. The project will comprise of the following steps: (i) Development of sensor materials that can sense different components of forces exerted by fluid flow, including shear and pressure; validation of these measurements on a flat surface in a flow channel; (ii) 3D printing of simple pore structures, representative of those found in bone, and their coating with the flow sensitive materials; 3D mapping of flow and development of models that precisely predict the measured flow shear and pressure. (iii) Study the effect of flow shear and pressure on the pattern of cell proliferation and colonisation in the 3D printed pore structures. The findings of this study will be useful for the development of in-vitro models that mimic physiological conditions for drug testing and the development of biomaterials for bone repair.
The successful candidate should have a solid background in materials science and engineering, chemistry or physics. Experience in electrochemistry, computational modelling or cell biology would be advantageous, but is not necessary as training will be provided in these areas.
Funding
Funded by: China Scholarship CouncilCandidate will need to secure a CSC scholarship.
Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses and one return flight ticket to successful applicants.
DEADLINE for applications is 4pm GMT
Eligibility
- The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
- If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of minimum score of 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking).
- Candidates are expected to start in September (Semester 1).
Contact
For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Steffi KRAUSE, Karin HING, Joe BRISCOE or Stefaan VERBRUGGEN.
Apply
Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD Materials Science full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):
Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-684" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| Keywords: | Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Polymer Chemistry, Structural Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science - Other, Data Analysis, Mathematical Modelling |