Thesis Project Form
Title (tentative): Validation of a novel technology of drug delivery based on fluidic and electromagnetic stimuli for cardiovascular applications| Thesis advisor(s): Fato Marco Massimo, Silvia Scaglione (CNR) | E-mail: |
| Address: Via All'Opera Pia, 13 - 16145 Genova | Phone: (+39) 010 33 52789 |
Description
Motivation and application domain
Alternative drug delivery systems for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases are currently under intense investigation. Nanomedicine is at the forefront in this field and promising approaches have been recently designed towards the achievement of electromagnetic guiding systems for a targeted release of therapeutic drugs to the heart.
General objectives and main activities
The goal of this work is to evaluate the interaction of drug-loaded superparamagnetic nanoparticles with engineered capillary systems.
In particular a 3D printed device mimicking the capillary system will be developed and functionalized with collagen and endothelial cells. The passage of the nanoparticles (stimulated and not by an external magnetic field) from the fluid circulating in the capillaries to the engineered walls will be assessed.
The student will contribute to the realization of the device and its biological functionalization. The work will be constituted by a major experimental part (optical microscopy, fluorescence confocal microscopy) and consequent images post-production and data analysis (ImageJ).
In particular a 3D printed device mimicking the capillary system will be developed and functionalized with collagen and endothelial cells. The passage of the nanoparticles (stimulated and not by an external magnetic field) from the fluid circulating in the capillaries to the engineered walls will be assessed.
The student will contribute to the realization of the device and its biological functionalization. The work will be constituted by a major experimental part (optical microscopy, fluorescence confocal microscopy) and consequent images post-production and data analysis (ImageJ).
Training Objectives (technical/analytical tools, experimental methodologies)
The goals of this thesis are
• Optical microscopy
• Fluorescence confocal microscopy
• Cell culture
• Hydrogel processing
• Image analysis
• 3D printing
• Optical microscopy
• Fluorescence confocal microscopy
• Cell culture
• Hydrogel processing
• Image analysis
• 3D printing
Place(s) where the thesis work will be carried out: CNR – Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, istituto IEIIT, UNIGE
Additional information
Pre-requisite abilities/skills: Self-contained, interest in experimental work; initiative and curiosity.
Maximum number of students: 1