Controlling Stem Cell Behaviour: Unlocking the
Potential of the Next Generation of Smart Materials in Regenerative Medicine
PhD Research Degree
A 3 year fully funded fulltime Ph.D. Research
Degree position is available within the Unit of Clinical Engineering
Open call from 1st February 2011
Start date open but preferably 2011
Outline of
Project
Mesenchymal stem cells are an integral part of
regenerative medicine yet they are an emerging technology which still requires
optimisation of current concepts if their true potential is to be
realised. Tissue Engineering relies
of the successful combination of cells and materials to elicit the desired
response in the host, a simple concept but one that requires a lot of
fundamental knowledge and control of experimental variables if the approach is
to be successful. In addition in
order to make these therapies cost effective and regulatory acceptable minimal exposure
to additional exogenous biological supplements is desirable.
The underlying hypothesis of this PhD will be to
determine how different sources of primary stem cells from the same host vary
in terms of phenotype and functionality and identify if in a given patient
there is a preferable source of stem cells and if this varies between different
donors. In parallel the ability of
material modifications to control isolated stem cells in controlled in vitro
models will also be established.
Ultimately conditions will be defined that successfully combine material
driven cell responses with well characterised cell populations, resulting in
the formation of de novo tissue in vitro.
Successful cell/scaffold combinations will be further tested in vivo to
fully validate the effect of specific material modifications on a stem cell
response.
The successful candidate will be trained in state
of the art cell isolation, characterisation and in vitro cell culture
techniques. Cell analysis will
include a number of techniques including but not limited to histochemistry,
light, electron and confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, PCR and western
blotting.
Applications are requested from candidates that already have or expect to be
awarded a first class or upper second honours degree in a science or
engineering discipline.
Informal enquiries can be made by contacting John
Hunt huntja@liv.ac.uk or
Judith Curran jmerice@liv.ac.uk
Or candidates can apply directly online at
http://www.liv.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/applying/online.htm