PhD Studentship: Hydrogels for tissue engineering scaffolds containing cells

The aim of the project is to investigate the potential of various polysaccharide hydrogels for use as tissue engineering scaffold materials to enable cells to be cultured both on and within the material. The project will focus upon ways in which the mechanical properties of such materials can be optimised for a variety of applications without damaging the internalised cell population.

To find out more about studying for a PhD at the University of Birmingham, including full details of the research undertaken in each school, the funding opportunities for each subject, and guidance on making your application, you can now order your copy of the new Doctoral Research Prospectus, at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/drp.aspx

Funding Notes

We have a thriving international Researcher community and encourage applications from students of any nationality able to fund their own studies (i.e. through Government scholarship schemes), or who wish to apply for their own funding (e.g. Commonwealth Scholarships, Islamic Development Bank International PhD Scholarships, China Scholarship Council).

At present, we would only consider applications from prospective students with:

• a good biomedical degree (minimum of a 2:1)
• a source of funding to cover tuition fees and bench fees.

References

• Evaluation of sodium alginate for bone marrow cell tissue engineering. L Wang, RM Shelton, P.R. Cooper, M Lawson, JT Triffitt, JE Barralet. Biomaterials, 24, (20): 3475-3481, 2003.
• Adhesion and growth of bone marrow stromal cells on modified alginate hydrogels. MA Lawson, JE Barralet, L Wang, RM Shelton, JT Triffitt. Tissue Engineering 10 (9-10), 1480-1491, 2004.
• Comparison of bone marrow cell growth on 2D and 3D alginate hydrogels. JE Barralet, L Wang, MA Lawson, JT Triffitt, PR Cooper, RM Shelton. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine 16, (6), 515-519, 2005.