DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING ECO-FRIENDLY BIOMIMETIC ARTICULAR CARTILAGE IMPLANTS

This project provides an annual stipend of £19,237. 

Project advert

Join our dynamic research group to tackle the global challenge of osteoarthritis (degeneration of articular cartilage), a condition impacting over 500 million people worldwide, including approximately 8.75 million individuals in the United Kingdom.

Articular cartilage (AC) plays a crucial role in joint function by shock absorption, transferring and distributing mechanical loads, and reducing friction providing a lubricated surface that allows bones to slide and rotate with minimal wear. AC is an anisotropic tissue composed of 4 zones with different composition, morphology and mechanical properties. Effective AC implants that mimic this stratified structure are still a challenge, and current manufacturing processes often use hazardous substances, posing health and environmental risks and hindering industrial scaling.

Our project aims to address these challenges by exploring innovative green manufacturing techniques to produce biomimetic integrated gradient osteochondral scaffolds (BIGOS). These scaffolds will replicate the morphology, topography, tribology, and mechanical properties of human osteochondral tissue.

As a PhD candidate, you will receive multidisciplinary training in materials science, tissue engineering, biomechanics, and medical device manufacturing. This unique opportunity allows you to contribute to ground breaking research that could significantly improve the quality of life for millions suffering from OA. Apply now to be part of this transformative journey!

Project aims and objectives

Aim: Design and manufacturing “green” biomimetic integrated gradient osteochondral scaffolds (GBIGOS) with comparable morphology, topography, tribology and mechanical properties as human osteochondral tissue. This research is aligned on recent work of the principal supervisor where biomimetic electrospun scaffolds were created for different tissue engineering applications including cartilage.

Objective 1: Explore different biomaterials including hydrogels, designs and green manufacturing processes to create bigos with comparable nano and microstructure as hyaline cartilage.

Objective 2: Identify suitable eco-friendly crosslinking techniques to tailor degradation rate and enhance mechanical properties.

Objective 3: Topographical and tribological characterisation of crosslinked and non-crosslinked gbigos.

Objective 4: Mechanical characterisation of crosslinked and non-crosslinked gbigos under physiological conditions.

Specific requirements of the candidate

Candidates should hold a UK First or 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in a related field. Candidates should have experience with CAD software (SolidWorks or Fusion 360) and basic knowledge of 3D printing. Ideal candidates will be those with experience in material characterisation in techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, white light interferometry or mechanical testing. Those with an interest in tissue engineering and from an under-represented background are particularly encouraged to apply.

This represents an opportunity to join the Faculty of Science and Engineering’s growing doctoral research community, committed to excellent research with impact. Successful applicants will be active researchers in our new state-of-the-art £117M labs and Dalton Building facilities, and will be supported to develop their skills as independent researchers.

How to apply

Interested applicants should contact Dr. Elisa Roldan Ciudad for an informal discussion.

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Engineering (or download the PGR application form).

You should also complete the (PGR thesis proposal and a Narrative CV) form addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have maps to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest. 

If applying online, you will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section, or email the application form and statement to pgradmissions@mmu.ac.uk.

Closing date: 14 October 2024. Expected start date: January 2025 for Home students and April 2025 for International students. 

Please note that Home fees are covered. Eligible International students will need to make up the difference in tuition fee funding. 

Please quote the reference: SciEng-2024-Cartilage-Implants