PhD: Nanomechanics of articular cartilage

Background
Articular cartilage is a load-bearing tissue that provides excellent low-friction, wear-resistant diarthrodial joint surfaces, while synovial fluid (SF), a mixture of surface-active macromolecules including proteins, glycoproteins, and phospholipids, plays a vital role in lubricating the sliding interface. Clinical evidence confirms that both the physical/chemical properties of SF and structure/composition of the cartilage matrix can change significantly as a result of ageing and medical conditions such as inflammation and obesity. However, such molecular details are inaccessible to conventional techniques such as tribometer that is used to examine the mechanical properties of cartilage at macroscopic scale. Furthermore, instead of natural SF, model SF solutions (based on bovine serum albumin) have been employed because these tests require excessive amount of SF, which leads to inconsistent results in the literature. It is therefore highly desirable to develop a more accurate method to understand the mechanical properties of articular cartilage with fine details, as a consequence of medical conditions.
As a multifunctional molecular toolbox, Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) offers advantages that include in situ measurements with outstanding signal-to-noise ratio, observing interfacial phenomena with nanometre resolution, investigating molecular interactions with picoNewton sensitivity. Most importantly, typical SPM experiments require a small quantity of liquid (~200 μL), which offers an ideal platform to directly investigate the influence of synovial fluid on articular cartilage.
Aim
By understanding the influence of synovial fluids, especially those associated with medical conditions, on the nanomechanical properties of articular cartilage, it will then be possible to differentiate the specific requirements for individual group of patients, providing a solution for targeted prevention and offering precise diagnosis method.
Objectives
The objectives of this proposed work are to:
1. Characterise the nanomechanical properties of articular cartilages collected from different patient groups in the presence of buffer medium
2. Examine the influence of SF associated with various medical conditions on the nanomechanical properties of the cartilage tissue
3. Investigate the adsorption kinetics of SF at the interfaces to further rationalize the experimental results
4. Determine damaging mechanisms of medical conditions to the lubrication performance of the joints
Training & opportunities
This project provides the PhD candidate with a perfect opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary environment with elements of medical engineering, surface chemistry and advanced physical characterization. Laboratory skills including Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM), Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM), and nanotribometer will be offered in this project along with an appreciation of surface chemistry and musculoskeletal ageing research. It will also be possible to participate in international conferences and training schools.
We are looking for applicants with a 2i Hons or higher in either Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics or Materials Science. If you are interested then please send your CV to Dr Jason Zhang, email address z.j.zhang@bham.ac.uk

Funding Notes

The project with be jointly funded by the School of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at the University of Birmingham. The project provides full funding for a UK or EU student, applications are welcome from suitably qualified international students who can self fund the difference between Home/EU and overseas rate of tuition fees.