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Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint diseaseaffecting millions of people worldwide, leading to pain, decreased mobility,and joint function impairment. Current in vitro models fail to replicate thecomplex 3D architecture and inter-tissue communication of the osteochondralunit, a key tissue in the knee joint and pathology. Consequently, thislimitation results in our failure to understand mechanisms related to diseaseinitiation and progression.
In this project, the student will design, fabricate andtest a multi-layered osteochondral unit-on-chip that mimics the native spatialorganization of the articular cartilage and subchondral bone. Unlike existingplanar designs, this innovative chip with stacked tissues, in the form ofpre-designed cell-embedded hydrogels, enabling biochemical crosstalk whilemaintaining distinct environments.
The main challenges to address include:
The device will be fabricated using advanced 3Dprinting techniques. The student will then perform imaging and preliminarybiological assessments to confirm functionality.
The student will learn techniques such as: CAD design, 3D printing, cellculture in BSL2, hydrogel handling, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence andconfocal microscopy.
Required background: interest in tissue engineering and microfluidics,experience with CAD software, knowledge of 3D printing and/or biomaterials is aplus.
The internship is a non-paid position and requires a minimum commitmentof 6 months to ensure sufficient time for design, fabrication, and validationof the system.
Type of internship: Master internship
Duration: 6 months
Required educational background: Biomedical engineering, Bioscience Engineering, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact Pauline Coquart ([email protected]) and Johanna Bolander ([email protected])
The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-003. Mention this reference code in your application.
Only for self-supporting students.
Applications should include the following information:
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
In this project, the student will design, fabricate andtest a multi-layered osteochondral unit-on-chip that mimics the native spatialorganization of the articular cartilage and subchondral bone. Unlike existingplanar designs, this innovative chip with stacked tissues, in the form ofpre-designed cell-embedded hydrogels, enabling biochemical crosstalk whilemaintaining distinct environments.
The main challenges to address include:
- Hydrogel injection: ensuring the hydrogels are incontact without mixing
- Leakage prevention: developing robust sealingstrategies for multilayered structures
- Imaging feasibility: designing the chip forcompatibility with high-resolution imaging (e.g. confocal microscopy)
The device will be fabricated using advanced 3Dprinting techniques. The student will then perform imaging and preliminarybiological assessments to confirm functionality.
The student will learn techniques such as: CAD design, 3D printing, cellculture in BSL2, hydrogel handling, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence andconfocal microscopy.
Required background: interest in tissue engineering and microfluidics,experience with CAD software, knowledge of 3D printing and/or biomaterials is aplus.
The internship is a non-paid position and requires a minimum commitmentof 6 months to ensure sufficient time for design, fabrication, and validationof the system.
Type of internship: Master internship
Duration: 6 months
Required educational background: Biomedical engineering, Bioscience Engineering, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact Pauline Coquart ([email protected]) and Johanna Bolander ([email protected])
The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-003. Mention this reference code in your application.
Only for self-supporting students.
Applications should include the following information:
- resume
- motivation
- current study
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
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