High Precision Printing of Biomimetic Structures for Tissue Regeneration

Problem Statement

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology enables the creation of intricate structures by layering materials. In the field of regenerative medicine, this fabrication method holds great potential for producing customizable and bioactive structures to address the shortage of transplantable organs, thereby benefiting patients. However, the current limitations in printing biomimetic structures revolve around the constrained mechanisms, material types, or the intertwining of both factors. As a result, the major printed structures (such as bone, cartilage, heart valves, liver, and skin) primarily serve demonstration purposes and are far from achieving effective tissue regeneration due to challenges in mimicking and forming biostructures with active functions.

Proposed Innovative Solution

This project aims to develop high-precision printing technology for tissue regeneration, offering advantages in design flexibility, the utilization of multiple materials, and the encapsulation of bioactive agents for enhanced functionality. The focus will be on creating high-resolution fibrous microstructures with intrinsic material behavior and spatial design to overcome current challenges in 3D printing. The project will also explore the development of printable stimuli for highly tunable and fully functional structures at the micro/nano scales. Investigating new designs for printing nozzles will enable advanced exquisite/hybrid printing with multi-materials, leading to cutting-edge applications in the biomedical field. The assessment of material properties and related manufacturing technologies will be crucial for high-resolution production of new devices. Additionally, the project will involve modeling pivotal production steps and exploring their potential in biomedical applications. Key control parameters for optimization, including deposition and integrity, will be studied, with a focus on parameters such as collector speed, flow rate, working distance, and applied voltage. These new engineering methods will facilitate the creation of micro-scaled, multi-layered materials with simultaneous encapsulation of ideal components, such as growth factors, sensing agents, or living cells. Finally, the functions of printed devices, characterized by varied fiber resolution, heterogeneity, topography, and functionality, will be assessed using state-of-the-art physical, chemical, and biological methods/equipment, resulting in products with a combination of different functionalities.

The successful applicant for this project will be responsible for developing new precision 3D printing facilities and technologies. This opportunity will provide comprehensive experience in the design, analysis, fabrication, and characterization of advanced biomaterials. Applicants are required to hold an undergraduate degree in Mechanical/Material/Biomedical/Physics or Chemical Engineering or a closely related field. Successful applicants will also be expected to collaborate with other academics nationally and internationally.

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

The University offers the following levels of support:

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

1. Title: "Biomimicry in Bio-Manufacturing: Developments in 3D Bioprinting and Bioassembly" Authors: Axel H. Higuera, et al.

Published in: Biotechnology Journal, 2016

2. Title: "Biomimicry for 3D Additive Manufacturing: Nature Provides the Inspiration for Design" Authors: Jesse C. Jokerst, et al.

Published in: Advanced Materials, 2017

3. Title: "Biomimicry: An Emerging Technology for 3D Printing"

Authors: Tariq Ejaz, et al. . Published in: Journal of Bionic Engineering , 2019

4.Title: "Toward Biomimetic Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering: 3D Printing Techniques in Regenerative Medicine”

Authors: Justin J. Chung, et al. . Published in: Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol., 2020