Freeform Reversible Embedding of Suspended Hydrogel (FRESH) additive manufacturing of sustainable porous calcium phosphate scaffolds for hard tissue engineering

The aim of the project will be manufacturing and characterising amorphous calcium-phosphate-based scaffolds using the Freeform Reversible Embedding of Suspended Hydrogel (FRESH) 3D printing technique. 

This method consists of printing a bioink into a sacrificial thermo-reversible bath, offering mechanical strength and shape fidelity preventing collapse during printing. Bioinks will be based on polyphosphate gels made via sol-gel chemistry and/or coacervation. Bioinks will be embedded with therapeutic ions that possess bone regenerative properties as well as antibacterial capabilities. The printed scaffolds are expected to promote bone regeneration via formation of hydroxyapatite on their surface when in contact with body fluids, promoting osteoblast attachment and proliferation. 

Advanced structural and morphological characterisation of the scaffolds will be performed using a multi-technique approach including electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermal analysis, gas physisorption, X-ray absorption spectroscopy at synchrotron radiation facilities and spectroscopy (FT-IR and Raman). Cytocompatibility will be assessed on osteoblasts via MTT testing. 

Spanning across chemistry, materials science and engineering and glass science this proposal is truly multidisciplinary. The PhD candidate will develop a range of complementary skills in fabrication and cutting-edge material characterisation techniques.

PhD candidates must have a first class or 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in a relevant scientific discipline, including Chemistry, Material Science, Biomaterials, Bioengineering, Nanoscience and Chemical Engineering and a strong interest in chemistry of biomaterials and material science and characterisation.

Open UK nationals and EU nationals with settled status (candidates who pay UK/home rate fees). See UKCISA for further information.