A Biophysical Model of Gum Reintegration on enamel

Engineered Protein Nanosheets at Liquid-Liquid Interfaces for Stem Cell Expansion, Sorting and Tissue Engineering

ProLiCell will design the biochemical and mechanical properties of extracellular matrix (ECM) protein nanosheets that can sustain the formation of adhesion protein complexes and support cell proliferation and culture on materials with very weak bulk mechanical properties (liquids).

Translating Vasculature-on-a-Chips with a Nephrotoxicity Model

2D composites with controlled nano-mechanisms

A long standing dogma in cell-based technologies is that bulk mechanical properties of solid substrates are essential to enable cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. However, the use of solid materials for cell culture constitutes an important hurdle for the scale up and automation of processes. We recently discovered that protein assembly at liquid-liquid interfaces results in mechanically strong protein layers sustaining cell spreading and directing fate decision. For long term culture, such interfaces lacked toughness and ruptured. This project will develop tough 2D nanocomposites assembled at oil-water interfaces and sustaining long term stem cell culture for applications in regenerative medicine.

Novel Cross-linking Strategy

This project focuses on the design of novel crosslinking strategies for silicone materials. These will enable the design of a new generation of silicone based composites with controlle mechanical properties and displaying conductive behaviour. The project will explore the use of these materials for 3D printing.

Impact of Physiogel on tribological properties and structural integrity of the skin

Development of a microvascularised cerebral organoid-on-a-chip

This project proposes to combine a model of cerebral organoid (from the Lancaster laboratory) and a model of microvasculature-on-a-chip (from the Gautrot laboratory), to create the first microvascularised model of brain early development. We will study some of the factors that control the interaction of the two models and the formation of a mature interface between vasculatures and cerebral organoids. This model will be used to mimic neurodegenerative conditions and diseases, and for the development of therapeutic strategies.

A Biomimetic Gum Model for Biomechanical Testing

This project aims to study soft tissue mechanics and develop biomimetic model elastomers reproducing key biomechanical features of soft tissues.

Imaging Failure of Novel Denture Adhesives

Proof of Concept 2017: Stem Cell Culture

This project aims to demonstrate the suitability of liquid-liquid interfaces and specifically oil-in-water emulsions for the long term culture of stem cells.

Development of a 3D Model of Dental Integration

Mimicking the Mechanical & Adhesive Properties of Oral Soft Tissues

Film Forming Polymer Actives in Oral Health Products

Polymer Actives in Oral Health Products

International Exchange Scheme: Brazil

Innovation Fund: Culture of Stem Cells

Quantifying the Role of Interfaces

Design of Tough Compliant Graphene-Based Coatings

In collaboration with FormFormForm Ltd., the company behind the range of silicone-based resins called Sugru, the project will explore the use of graphene to generate heat and electrically conductive silicone based matrices, as well as the application of such composites as anti-corrosion coatings. Achieving high performance for such flexible silicone-based composites, thanks to the exceptional properties of graphene, could open up a wide range of applications for such silicone-based materials. Hence we will explore the use of this new technology to address some of the current challenges in the manufacturing industry.

UKIERI-DST Thematic Partnerships

Quantifying and Imaging

Quantifying & Imaging Failure at the Denture Adhesive Interface

CASE Award

Industrial CASE Studentship Award 2014

Industrial CASE Studentship Award 2013

An Ovarian Cancer Model on a Chip

Studentship