| KEYWORD |
Area Engineering
Patterning conductive tracks within hydrogel matrix for soft bioelectronics devices
Thesis in external company 
Thesis abroad
Reference persons VALENTINA ALICE CAUDA
External reference persons Dr.Lorenzo Lucherini at EPFL - Lausanne e-mail: lorenzo.lucherini@epfl.ch.
Research Groups AA - Materials and Processes for Micro and Nano Technologies
Thesis type EXPERIMENTAL
Description Hydrogels, being highly hydrophilic polymeric networks that are filled with water, have gained significant attention in the biomedical field due to their exceptional water-retention capability, biocompatibility, and anti-biofouling properties. These versatile materials can be synthesized from a wide range of monomers and via various crosslinking routes. While hydrogels exhibit excellent ionic conductivity thanks to their high water content, their electronic conductivity remains limited. To address this limitation and broaden their applications in soft bioelectronic systems, novel approaches are required to enhance the electronic properties of hydrogels.
In this master thesis project, you will pattern conductive features within a hydrogel matrix. You will introduce noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) within the hydrogel by an in-situ synthesis approach. By combining the benefits of hydrogel substrates and the electronic properties of metal NPs, we aim to create a seamless interface between soft tissues and external electronic equipment, opening up new possibilities for manufacturing soft bioelectronic devices. In your thesis you will learn how to prepare hydrogels, pattern them using clean room facilities and how to characterize their electrical conductivity.
IMPORTANT: The Master Thesis is to be carried out abroad, at Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL)-Switzerland, in the research group "Soft Materials Laboratory, EPFL". The main contact is Dr. Lorenzo Lucherini, Contact: lorenzo.lucherini@epfl.ch. WEB SITE: https://www.epfl.ch/labs/smal/projects/
Thesis should start in SPRING 2024 and will last for 6 months
Required skills soft materials, like hydrogel, knowledge
characterization techniques od nanomapteriale and polymeric materials
3d micropatterning technique - direct laser writing
Knowledge in electronics are a plus
Deadline 01/12/2024
PROPONI LA TUA CANDIDATURA