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Adaptor and Catheter designs for delivery of a Nanoparticle Gel
keywords CHOLESTEROL, GOLD NANORODS, NANOMEDICINE, NANOTECHNOLOGY, RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
Reference persons DANILO DEMARCHI
External reference persons Carly Filgueira (csfilgueira@houstonmethodist.org)
Research Groups MiNES (Micro&Nano Electronic Systems)
Thesis type EXPERIMENTAL
Description We are seeking a highly motivated biomedical, electronic, energetic, or mechanical engineering student to join our team at Houston Methodist Hospital and work on a project focused on designing and prototyping novel devices such as syringe adaptors and catheters for the administration of a hydrogel containing nanoparticles into cardiac tissue. The student will collaborate closely with Dr. Filgueira as the Principal Investigator and supervisor, as well as with a diverse team of experts at Houston Methodist Research Institute, including a clinical cardiologist, a veterinary staff team, and Filgueira lab staff.
The main objective of this project is to create prototypes using 3D printing and develop iterations for ex vivo testing in cardiac tissue, with the potential for in vivo testing in a porcine model through various administration routes (femoral/jugular). The student will also have the opportunity to assist with nanoparticle hydrogel formulation as device deployment is tested. The student will create CAD/Solidworks designs of various needle tips with different lengths and gauges, which will be 3D printed and attached to tubing for liquid delivery.
The student will have access to a Formlabs Form 3B+ 3D Printer, so working knowledge of the preform software and familiarity with this 3D printer and associated resins are highly desirable. Further, knowledge of fluid dynamics and the ability to perform Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to study fluid flow through the device designs and to validate the models would be beneficial for this project. Ideally, the student should have knowledge of CAD prototyping (Solidworks), statistics, proficiency in English (oral and written), knowledge and/or willingness to expand their knowledge on use of a microscope, instrumentation to quantify nanoparticle and hydrogel delivery in samples (ICP-OES), working around large animals, effective communication across multiple departments and individuals with various backgrounds.
This is a unique and exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and skilled engineering student to work on a cutting-edge project with world-class clinicians and researchers at Houston Methodist Hospital. This project offers the possibility to perform CAD/Solidworks drawing and design remotely or in person at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas, USA. For those who are willing to travel, a minimum period of 6 months in the USA is required. Our institute is highly diverse and collaborative, with a strong Italian community, making it an ideal environment for learning and growth.
Required skills This project requires experimental work to be performed at the Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston (TX), US. A period of at least 9 months is required. For Master’s students, analysis performed remotely is possible. This project would involve collection and processing of rodent and porcine blood and tissue; therefore, the student would need to be comfortable working with animal blood and tissue samples. The student will assist with performing analyses and data collection. The student will be trained on wet chemistry techniques such as ultracentrifugation and thin layer chromatography. The student will work in a team that includes Dr. Filgueira as PI, Dr. Hafner as Co-I (a Physics Professor and collaborator from Rice University), Filgueira lab staff, and students from the Hafner lab. Good knowledge of basic physics and chemistry is required; familiarity with MATLAB programming, modeling, CAD, are a plus. Excellent English level is required (oral and written) and positive attitude to work in a diverse and heterogeneous environment.
Deadline 14/12/2024
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