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Area Engineering
Biodegradable cancer immunotherapy nanobullet
Thesis abroad
keywords BIODEGRADABLE, BIOMATERIALS, CANCER IMMUNOTHERAPY, DRUG DELIVERY, IN-VITRO, IN-VIVO MODELS, MEDICAL IMPLANTABLE DEVICES
Reference persons VALENTINA ALICE CAUDA
External reference persons Prof. Alessandro Grattoni - Nanomedicine deartment at Methodist Hospital Houston website https://grattoni.hmailabs.org.
Research Groups AA - Materials and Processes for Micro and Nano Technologies
Thesis type EXPERIMENTAL
Description We have previously demonstrated that by using our Nanofluidic Drug-Eluting Seed (NDES) to release immunotherapy intratumorally, we can effectively reduce tumor size and metastatic burden. The goal of this project is to develop a biodegradable version of the NDES that could automatically degrade after the immunotherapeutics release is completed. The innovative platform can magnify the field of cancer immunotherapy and benefit patient wellness with a safer and effective procedure. The student will play the important role of developing the biodegradable device by determining the ideal composition of the biodegradable materials and then developing a manufacturing protocol for the device. By either using 3D printing, CNC machining, molding, electrospinning or a combination thereof, the student will develop different prototypes and test parameters such as degradation rate and structural integrity among others. Further, the device biodeegredable peerformance will be validated in vitro and in vivo. Read more about the intratumoral immunotherapy project here: https://grattoni.hmailabs.org/research/#NDES.
See also https://grattoni.hmailabs.org/research/#NDES
Required skills This project requires experimental work to be performed at the Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston (TX), US. A period of at least 8 months is required. The project can involve animal studies, the student needs to be comfortable in working with animal models after training. Good hand dexterity for device assembling and knowledge of basic material science and physics are required; familiarity with CAD software preferred; Basic 3D printing and chemistry knowledge is a plus. Excellent English level is required (oral and written) and positive attitude to work in a diverse and heterogeneous environment.
Notes This project requires experimental work to be performed at the Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston (TX), US. A period of at least 8 months is required.
Deadline 08/09/2025
PROPONI LA TUA CANDIDATURA