We are seeking highly motivated and talented graduating students in a STEM discipline to join an exciting research project focused on developing an acoustofluidic system to mimic the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and enable safe and effective drug delivery to the central nervous system. This project is part of the new Strathclyde Centre for Doctoral Training in Brain Research: Bridging Research and Advancements in Neurological Sciences (BRAINS).

The primary goal of this project is to design and model an innovative acoustofluidic platform that can deliver predictable streaming patterns to a chamber containing endothelial cells and astrocytes, closely resembling the BBB. By leveraging modular and open-source systems, we enable compatibility with rapid fabrication techniques, allowing for efficient prototyping and experimentation.

The fabrication process involves patterning and interdigitating transducers onto a piezoelectric substrate, which can be achieved by clamping a printed circuit board mechanically to the substrate. The system incorporates a central biological component, which can be a simple transwell with a film of the material under test, securely housed and clamped. This versatile open system also permits exploration of more complex wave generation systems, such as acoustic holography.

One of the key challenges in drug delivery to the central nervous system is the safe opening of the blood-brain barrier. Focused ultrasound has shown promise in opening the BBB junctions through microbubble cavitation. However, this method has limited range, restricting its effectiveness to a single area of the brain. Moreover, microbubble cavitation can potentially damage brain tissue.

By joining this project, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of an acoustofluidic system that addresses these challenges. Furthermore, you will collaborate with colleagues within the cohort of the BRAINS CDT involved in microparticle tracking systems and drug development, allowing you to integrate this acoustofluidic platform with cutting-edge biomedical research. The development of physiologically relevant BBB organoids, such as the one we aim to create, is crucial in improving pre-clinical testing accuracy and reducing translation time and costs. Currently, only around 5% of developed drugs can successfully pass the BBB to treat patients with diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and glioblastoma, resulting in limited treatment options and substantial costs for the drug development industry.

If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of engineering and biomedical research, this PhD opportunity offers an intellectually stimulating and impactful platform.