3D cardiac Tissues integrated with soft iontronic devices
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Animal models of heart disease struggle to replicate human pathophysiology due to distinct heart rates, electrophysiology, and metabolic differences. Engineered 3D heart tissues from human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)–derived cardiomyocytes represent powerful platforms for human cardiac research. Iontronic-cardiac tissue combines stem cell biology, biomaterials, 3D printing and electromechanical stimulation to generate complex, synchronized contractions in 3D hybrid tissues.
The Tissue Engineering Group at the Materials and Devices for Life Sciences (MDLS) develops technologies for generating 3D synthetic, living, and hybrid tissues for biomedical applications. We have developed droplet 3D-printing and microfluidic techniques for the construction of defined and patterned 3D tissues, including living tissues (neural and cardiac tissues) and synthetic ionic tissues (bio-batteries and other iontronic devices).
This project aims to engineer advanced 3D hybrid tissues that merge biological components (hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes) and iontronic components: (conductive hydrogel-based bioelectronics). The iontronic-cardiac tissues bridge the gap between traditional electronics and biology by using mobile ions (rather than electrons) as charge carriers. This allows seamless integration of the biological and ionic components, enabling engineered tissues to conduct electrical signals and reveal biological signs for disease modelling.
We welcome candidates with medicine, biology, materials, biophysics, electronics and tissue engineering background. Experience in stem cell biology and electrophysiology are desirable. DPhil students will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team engaged in cell biology, biophysics, biochemistry, and device and tissue engineering.
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