Student Projects

Identifying the causes of patellar instability

Patello-femoral joint (PFJ) instability is one of the most common knee problems in children and adolescents. In this project in collaboration with the University Children’s Hospital Basel, we aim to uncover the key factors contributing to PFJ instability and validate joint kinematics using a dynamic fluoroscope system.

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Patello-femoral joint instability, knee pain, joint kinematics, dynamic fluoroscope system

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Master Thesis

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Published since: 2025-09-18 , Earliest start: 2025-09-21 , Latest end: 2026-12-31

Applications limited to ETH Zurich , University of Zurich , University of Fribourg , University of Geneva , University of Berne , Berner Fachhochschule , Zurich University of Applied Sciences , University of Basel , University of St. Gallen , University of Lucerne , EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , Université de Neuchâtel , Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin , Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen , Ludwig Maximilians Universiy Munich , Max Planck Society , Technische Universität München , Technische Universität Hamburg , RWTH Aachen University , TU Dresden , TU Berlin , TU Darmstadt , Universität Ulm , University of Cologne , University of Hamburg , University of Konstanz , University of Erlangen-Nuremberg , Universtity of Bayreuth , Imperial College London , UCL - University College London , University of Cambridge , University of Aberdeen , National Institute for Medical Research , University of Manchester , University of Leeds , University of Nottingham , University of Oxford , Delft University of Technology , Maastricht Science Programme , Radboud University Nijmegen , CNRS - Centre national de la recherche scientifique , Harvard , IDEA League , Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Politecnico di Milano , Princeton University , Stanford University , Technical University of Denmark , The Australian National University , The University of Edinburgh , University of Copenhagen , University of Toronto , University of Queensland , The University of Melbourne , Yale University , Uppsala Universitet , University College Dublin , Université de Strasbourg

Organization Neuromuscular Biomechanics

Hosts Gwerder Michelle

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology

Volumetric Bioprinting of Perfusable Scaffolds for Mammary Tissue Engineering

Background: Collagen, the most abundant structural protein in the extracellular matrix, is essential for tissue architecture, integrity, and cell function. Its biocompatibility makes it attractive for tissue engineering. Volumetric 3D printing (see attached image) enables the rapid fabrication of complex, cell-friendly scaffolds with high resolution. In this project, the student will bioprint tissue constructs that mimic native architecture and function, including mammary tissue, using collagen based materials and volumetric printing. Further the student will work on advancing our culture platforms from static systems to dynamic, flow-integrated models . The project will build on the lab’s current expertise in volumetric bioprinting and in collagen-based material design: • Volumetric printed biomimetic scaffolds support in vitro lactation of human milk-derived mammary epithelial cells. A. Hasenauer et al. Science Advances, 2025 • Rapid Deep Vat Printing Using Photoclickable Collagen-Based Bioresins. M. Winkelbauer et al. Advanced Healthcare Materials, 2025 We are looking for a motivated student, and experience with the following would be an advantage: • Experience in CAD design (e.g. Fusion 360) • Basic coding/programming skills (e.g., Python or MATLAB) for data analysis Preferred Duration: 6 months This thesis offers an exciting opportunity to combine cutting-edge volumetric bioprinting technology with advanced collagen scaffold design, building on the lab’s strong foundation in bioprinting and biomaterials research.

Keywords

Volumetric Printing Collagen Tissue engineering Mammary Tissue Perfusion

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Internship , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)

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Published since: 2025-09-14 , Earliest start: 2025-10-06 , Latest end: 2026-07-31

Organization Zenobi-Wong Group / Tissue Engineering and Biofabrication

Hosts Zenobi-Wong Marcy , Hasenauer Amelia

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Biology

Design and Development of Control Systems for Automated Printing and Patterning

This Master’s thesis project focuses on developing advanced control systems for automated printing and patterning technologies. A central focus will be the integration of computer vision–based feedback systems that dynamically optimize printing parameters during fabrication. By coordinating sensors, actuators, and vision-driven algorithms in real time, the project aims to achieve highly precise, reliable, and adaptive printing processes. Applications span tissue engineering, and next-generation additive manufacturing for biofabrication, where precision and reproducibility are critical.

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Automation, control systems, computer vision, feedback loops, bioprinting, robotics, sensors, actuators, real-time optimization, additive manufacturing

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Master Thesis

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Published since: 2025-09-11 , Earliest start: 2025-09-22 , Latest end: 2026-04-30

Organization Qin Group / Biomaterials Engineering

Hosts Agrawal Prajwal

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology

Exploring the 3D Mineralization Behavior in Material-Induced Osteoinduction Through a Multiscale Micro-CT Imaging Approach

The project aims at investigating material-induced osteoinduction using the available mouse model of orthotopic or ectopic bone graft substitute (BGS) application. Through the 3D-3D registration of ex vivo and in vivo multiscale micro-CT images, crucial 3D mineralization behavior of the BGS can be investigated.

Keywords

Femur, Bone Graft Substitute, Critical Size Defect, Osteoinduction, in vivo, micro-CT, 3D-3D Image Registration, Image Analysis, Image Processing, Python, Computational

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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis

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Bone defects that do not heal spontaneously despite surgical stabilization and require further surgical intervention are termed critical sized defects (CSD). They pose dramatic consequences to a person’s well-being and life expectancy due to their impact on the skeletal system’s integrity. Bone graft substitutes (BGS) present a treatment approach by enhancing and facilitating the natural healing capacity of the bone tissue using their osteoconductive and osteoinductive potential and filling up the physical space of lost bone for mechanical support. The key property of a BGS in treatment of a large bone defect is osteoinduction. Physiological processes in bone usually happen on different spatial scales, spanning from the whole organ, to tissue, to cellular and even to the molecular level. Therefore, an ideal imaging setup to **unravel the underlying mechanisms of material-induced osteoinduction** would require a **multiscale approach** to connect orang and tissue level processes with the cellular and subcellular scale. Micro-CT can be considered the gold standard in hierarchical 3D imaging of bone structure and function and allows a non-destructive _ex vivo_ and _in vivo_ image acquisition. **Time-lapsed _in vivo_ micro-CT images** can reveal distinct information on the longitudinal development of implant calcification or resorption. However, its resolution is relatively low and certain details can not be detected. _Ex vivo_ micro-CT on the other hand allows scans of higher resolution and therefore complements the _in vivo_ micro-CT well. The 3D-3D registration of high-resolution _ex vivo_ and low-resolution _in vivo_ micro-CT images generates a multiscale micro-CT imaging approach. Advanced image analysis methods can help identify newly formed bone and generally distinguish bone and the BGS. By combined analysis of multiscale micro-CT measurements of murine femur samples with implanted ectopic or orthotopic BGS, critical 3D mineralization behavior in material-induced osteoinduction can be investigated.

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Published since: 2025-09-08 , Earliest start: 2025-09-22 , Latest end: 2026-07-31

Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics

Hosts Lindenmann Sara

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology

RegaSpine: Development of an IMU-based approach to measure cervical spine motion during cervical spine immobilization

Injuries to the cervical spine are common in severely injured patients and can lead to the most serious health impairments, such as para- or tetraplegia, due to potential spinal cord injuries. Therefore, immobilization of the cervical spine is indicated in emergency medicine. However, there is still considerable disagreement regarding the preferred procedure. The cervical orthosis, which has been established for many years and is commonly used in these settings, has many disadvantages (such as pain, pressure ulcers, increased intracranial pressure, and in practice often being relatively complicated and time-consuming to apply), and is therefore subject of controversial debate. At the same time, clear evidence of the effectiveness of the cervical orthosis compared to alternative methods (such as head blocks in a vacuum mattress) is lacking. This project creates the programming basis for a clinical trial investigating the effectiveness of different immobilization approaches in preventing cervical spine movements using IMUs.

Keywords

Trauma, orthotics, spine, IMU, programming, motion analysis

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Master Thesis

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Published since: 2025-09-01 , Earliest start: 2025-11-01 , Latest end: 2026-12-01

Applications limited to ETH Zurich , University of Zurich , University of Berne

Organization Functional Spinal Biomechanics

Hosts Bertsch Martin

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology

Exploring the Mechanoregulation of Bone Regeneration

In over 100 years, the remarkable ability of bone to adapt to its mechanical environment has been a source of scientific fascination. Bone regeneration has been shown to be highly dependent on the mechanical environment at the fracture site. It has been demonstrated that mechanical stimuli can either accelerate or impede regeneration. Despite the fundamental importance of the mechanical environment in influencing bone regeneration, the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are complex and poorly understood.

Keywords

Bone, Mechanobiology, Spatial transcriptomics, Gene expression, Finite element modelling, Image processing

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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2025-08-21 , Earliest start: 2024-11-01 , Latest end: 2026-08-31

Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics

Hosts Mathavan Neashan

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology

The Biomechanics of the Golf Swing

The golf swing can significantly contribute to lower spine degeneration and consequent lower spine pain due to the repetitive and intense forces it exerts on the lumbar spine. Lower back pain makes up for about a quarter of all golf injuries and affects players of all ages and with varying skill levels. Different styles of golf swings exist, but in general, they are characterized by extensive rotational movements and powerful downward movements that can place particularly high stress on the spine (primarily on the intervertebral disc and the facet joints). These complex loading patterns consist of a combination of compression, torsion, and shearing and are placed on the spine at a high frequency (professional golfers may perform hundreds of swings a day). Characteristic damage to the spine caused by repeated minor traumatic injuries might be the result. In addition to targeted strengthening of muscles around the lumbar spine, understanding and consequently potentially modifying the swing biomechanics may help mitigate the risk of spine degeneration in golfers. The aim of this project is to determine the player-specific loading of the lumbar spine through a detailed biomechanical analysis of the player’s swing. Similar analyses have been successfully conducted for baseball but have yet to be applied in golf.

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Internship , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2025-08-14 , Earliest start: 2025-08-01 , Latest end: 2026-07-31

Organization Snedeker Group / Laboratory for Orthopaedic Biomechanics

Hosts Fasser Marie-Rosa

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology

Enhancing Porosity in Electrospun Scaffolds via Dual-Nozzle Fabrication with Sacrificial Materials

Electrospinning is a widely used technique for fabricating fibrous scaffolds that mimic the extracellular matrix of native cartilage. However, conventional electrospun scaffolds often suffer from poor cell infiltration due to their dense and randomly organized fiber networks. This project aims to improve scaffold porosity by implementing a dual-nozzle electrospinning approach, combining a structural polymer (e.g., PCL) with a sacrificial material that can later be removed to create larger interconnected pores. The master’s student will optimize the fabrication process, develop a protocol for selective material removal, and characterize the resulting scaffolds. This work supports the development of more functional and biologically relevant synthetic analogs for cartilage tissue engineering.

Keywords

Cartilage Tissue Engineering Biofabrication Electrospinning Biomaterials

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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis

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Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder globally, affecting over 32.5 million adults in the United States alone. Commonly referred to as degenerative joint disease or "wear-and-tear" arthritis, OA is a multifactorial, typically slow-progressing, and largely non-inflammatory condition that arises from pathological changes in various synovial joint tissues, including articular cartilage, subchondral bone, ligaments, periarticular muscles, peripheral nerves, and the synovium. These changes lead to cartilage degradation, bone remodeling, joint pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility and function. Solution electrospinning (SES) is a widely used technique for fabricating nanofibrous poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering. While SES enables the production of fibrous matrices that resemble the extracellular matrix, conventional electrospun scaffolds often suffer from limited control over fiber alignment and pore structure. Their dense and randomly organized fibers hinder cellular infiltration, an essential feature for successful tissue regeneration. To overcome this limitation, strategies such as using fast-degrading polymers (e.g., poly(glycerol sebacate), PGS) or enhancing scaffold porosity through architectural modifications have been proposed. The goal of this project is to improve the porosity and cell-infiltration capacity of electrospun scaffolds by employing dual-nozzle electrospinning to incorporate a sacrificial material alongside PCL fibers. Once removed, the sacrificial component will create additional pore spaces within the scaffold structure. The student will be responsible for developing and optimizing a dual electrospinning protocol, including: • Selection and processing of suitable polymer blends; • Fine-tuning electrospinning parameters for both materials; • Evaluating scaffold morphology, fiber distribution, and porosity through imaging techniques; • Testing the effectiveness of sacrificial material removal. This project offers hands-on experience in advanced scaffold fabrication and supports ongoing efforts to design more biomimetic and functional constructs for cartilage regeneration.

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Published since: 2025-07-16 , Earliest start: 2025-09-01

Organization Tissue Mechanobiology

Hosts Bissacco Elisa

Topics Engineering and Technology

Adapting Open-Source G-Code Tools for Customized Melt Electrowriting of Cartilage Scaffolds

We are seeking a motivated and technically inclined master’s student to join our research team in the optimization of melt electrowriting (MEW) for cartilage tissue engineering. MEW is an emerging additive manufacturing technique that enables the fabrication of micro- and nanoscale scaffolds with highly controlled architectures, ideally suited for mimicking the extracellular matrix of native cartilage. Our group employs a custom-built MEW device for scaffold fabrication, historically operated via proprietary software. To enhance design flexibility and streamline G-code generation, this project focuses on adapting an open-source, MATLAB-based G-code tool developed by international collaborators. The student will analyze and modify the existing tool to ensure compatibility with our specific MEW setup, followed by experimental validation through scaffold printing and performance testing. In the context of a master’s thesis, the adapted tool will also be used to fabricate advanced scaffold geometries to support downstream biological studies. This interdisciplinary project offers hands-on experience in biofabrication, programming, and tissue engineering, contributing to the development of next-generation therapies for osteoarthritis.

Keywords

Tissue engineering Biofabrication Biomaterials Coding

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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2025-07-16 , Earliest start: 2025-09-01

Organization Tissue Mechanobiology

Hosts Bissacco Elisa , Amicone Alessio

Topics Engineering and Technology

Enhancing Cell Compatibility of Melt-Electrowritten PCL Scaffolds for Articular Cartilage Regeneration: Investigating the Influence of NaOH Treatment

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread degenerative joint disease characterized by the progressive breakdown of articular cartilage, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Current clinical treatments fail to fully restore the structural and functional properties of native cartilage, highlighting the need for innovative tissue engineering strategies. This project focuses on the development and surface modification of polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds fabricated by melt electrowriting (MEW)—a technique that enables the creation of highly organized, microscale fibrous architectures suitable for cartilage regeneration. While PCL is widely used for scaffold fabrication due to its biocompatibility and mechanical properties, its hydrophobic surface limits cellular attachment and function, particularly for sensitive cell types such as chondrocytes. To address this, the project investigates the effect of alkaline surface treatment using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) on the morphology, hydrophilicity, and biological performance of MEW scaffolds. The study systematically varies NaOH concentration and exposure time to evaluate the resulting changes in chondrocyte viability and extracellular matrix (ECM) production, including key markers like glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and collagen. The goal is to determine whether NaOH treatment can enhance scaffold–cell interactions without compromising structural integrity, ultimately supporting the development of a more effective platform for cartilage tissue engineering. The project combines scaffold fabrication, surface chemistry, and biological assays to provide a comprehensive understanding of how surface modifications influence chondrocyte behavior and tissue formation within a defined 3D microenvironment.

Keywords

Cartilage Tissue Engineering Melt-electrowriting Biomaterials Surface Modification

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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis

Description

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder worldwide, affecting over 32.5 million adults in the United States alone [1]. Commonly referred to as “wear-and-tear” arthritis or degenerative joint disease, OA is a multifactorial, typically slow-progressing, and non-inflammatory condition of the synovial joints. It arises from abnormalities in various joint tissues—including articular cartilage, subchondral bone, ligaments, periarticular muscles, synovium, and peripheral nerves—ultimately leading to cartilage degradation, subchondral bone remodeling, pain, stiffness, and reduced joint function [1]. To address cartilage degeneration, tissue engineering strategies have increasingly focused on fibrous scaffolds that mimic the native extracellular matrix. Among the most promising fabrication techniques are solution electrospinning (SES) and melt electrowriting (MEW), both capable of producing fibrous structures suitable for cartilage regeneration [2]. SES generates nanoscale fibers with a random, non-woven morphology, limiting spatial control over fiber deposition. In contrast, MEW allows for precise placement of microfibers via a programmable stage, enabling the creation of organized architectures and anisotropic scaffolds [3,4]. Polycaprolactone (PCL) is widely used in both SES and MEW due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mechanical properties. However, its hydrophobic surface limits cell adhesion and interaction, making surface modification a key area of interest. One common strategy to enhance surface wettability and introduce bioactive functional groups is wet chemical treatment, particularly using alkaline hydrolysis. In this method, NaOH is applied to cleave ester bonds on the polymer surface, generating hydroxyl and carboxyl groups that improve hydrophilicity [5]. Additionally, this treatment can induce micropitting and surface roughness, which has been shown to enhance cell adhesion and proliferation [6]. The degree of modification is tunable through the adjustment of NaOH concentration and exposure time. While the effects of NaOH surface treatment on electrospun PCL membranes have been studied, its impact on melt electrowritten (MEW) PCL scaffolds, particularly regarding chondrocyte viability and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation, remains unexplored. MEW scaffolds offer a more defined and controllable architecture compared to electrospun meshes, which can significantly influence cell behavior. Given the sensitivity of chondrocytes to substrate properties, it is essential to evaluate how alkaline surface modification affects their viability, morphology, and ability to synthesize key cartilage ECM components, such as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and collagen. This investigation will help determine whether NaOH treatment can enhance the biological performance of MEW scaffolds and support their application in cartilage tissue engineering.

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Published since: 2025-07-15 , Earliest start: 2025-09-01

Organization Tissue Mechanobiology

Hosts Bissacco Elisa

Topics Engineering and Technology

Multiscale Scaffold Design for Osteoarthritis Treatment: A Comparative Study of Hydrogel Pore Formation and Visualization Strategies

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive joint disorder characterized by the degradation of articular cartilage, affecting millions of individuals worldwide and posing a significant clinical and socioeconomic burden. Current treatment strategies remain limited in their ability to restore the structural and functional integrity of damaged cartilage. This project aims to engineer a biomimetic multiscale scaffold that combines fibrous and hydrogel components to replicate the hierarchical architecture and mechanical behavior of native cartilage tissue. The fibrous framework is fabricated using solution electrospinning (SES) and melt electrowriting (MEW) to integrate nanoscale and microscale features, respectively, thereby enhancing mechanical strength and guiding cellular organization. The fibrous network is embedded within a macroporous hydrogel matrix, designed to support high water content and efficient nutrient transport while promoting cell viability and matrix production. A central focus of the project is the optimization of hydrogel pore architecture using two approaches: cryogelation and porogen incorporation. These methods will be systematically compared to determine their effectiveness in creating interconnected pore networks. To evaluate and visualize gel structure under physiologically relevant (hydrated) conditions, the project will establish a fluorescent labeling and confocal microscopy protocol, enabling detailed pore size and distribution analysis. The final composite constructs will be characterized morphologically, mechanically, and biologically, including testing with human chondrocytes to assess cytocompatibility and extracellular matrix production. This work aims to contribute to the development of next-generation scaffolds for cartilage tissue regeneration, offering a promising approach toward functional repair of osteoarthritic joints.

Keywords

Cartilage Tissue Engineering Biomaterials Hydrrogels

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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis

Description

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder globally, affecting over 32.5 million adults in the United States alone. Also referred to as degenerative joint disease or “wear-and-tear” arthritis [1], OA is a multifactorial, progressive, and typically non-inflammatory condition of the synovial joints. It can arise from structural and functional abnormalities in any of the joint tissues, including articular cartilage, subchondral bone, ligaments, periarticular muscles, peripheral nerves, and synovium. These pathological changes lead to the degradation of cartilage and bone, resulting in joint pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility [1]. To address current limitations in cartilage repair, we propose a composite scaffold consisting of a fibrous multiscale component, fabricated using solution electrospinning (SES) and melt electrowriting (MEW), and a hydrogel matrix. SES and MEW are established techniques for producing nanofibrous constructs suitable for cartilage tissue engineering [2]. While SES generates fiber meshes with random orientation, limiting spatial control, MEW allows for precise, programmable deposition of microscale fibers due to its additive manufacturing-like approach, combining aspects of electrospinning and fused deposition modeling [3,4]. The composite scaffold design leverages the mechanical integrity and tunable architecture of the fibrous layers, while the hydrogel phase provides a highly hydrated, bioactive environment with favorable transport properties for cell proliferation and nutrient diffusion. This strategy aims to overcome the inherent limitations of each component, particularly the hydrophobicity of PCL and the poor mechanical strength of conventional hydrogels. To optimize the performance of the hydrogel phase, we aim to enhance its internal porosity. Two main strategies are under consideration: (1) cryogelation, which involves crosslinking at sub-zero temperatures to form macroporous structures, and (2) the use of porogens, removable particles or agents that generate pores upon leaching. While the first method has already been thoroughly investigated, we now intend to explore and optimize the porogen-based approach. A critical step will be identifying porogens that are compatible with the hydrogel environment and application. Once both methods have been evaluated, we plan to characterize and compare the resulting pore architecture under hydrated conditions. Recent findings suggest that the internal morphology of hydrogels, specifically pore size and distribution, can be visualized using fluorescent dyes such as fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) [5,6], providing a non-destructive and reproducible method for assessing pore structure. The aim of this study is to engineer and characterize a composite scaffold that closely mimics the structural and functional properties of native articular cartilage. A particular focus will be placed on optimizing hydrogel porosity and fiber architecture to support chondrocyte viability, integration, and matrix production under physiologically relevant conditions.

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Published since: 2025-07-15 , Earliest start: 2025-09-01

Organization Tissue Mechanobiology

Hosts Bissacco Elisa

Topics Engineering and Technology

Enhancing Interlayer Integration and Mechanical Properties in Electrospun and Melt-Electrowritten Scaffolds

This project focuses on improving the mechanical performance and interlayer integration of multiscale scaffolds for articular cartilage tissue engineering. By combining solution electrospinning (SES) and melt electrowriting (MEW), the study aims to fabricate layered fibrous constructs with enhanced structural integrity. A key objective is to explore annealing as a post-processing technique to strengthen the interface between electrospun and MEW layers, addressing a common limitation in scaffold delamination. Morphological and mechanical properties will be assessed through scanning electron microscopy and mechanical testing, with optional biological evaluation using bovine chondrocytes. We are seeking a motivated master's student to contribute to scaffold fabrication, characterization, and cell-based studies within this interdisciplinary research project.

Keywords

Cartilage Tissue engineering Solution Electrospinning Meltelectrowriting Biofabrication Biomaterials

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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2025-07-10 , Earliest start: 2025-09-01

Organization Tissue Mechanobiology

Hosts Bissacco Elisa

Topics Engineering and Technology

Optimization of Electrospinning and Melt-Electrowriting Parameters with a new triblock copolymer

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder, leads to degeneration of synovial joints, including articular cartilage. While solution electrospinning (SES) and melt electrowriting (MEW) of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) have shown promise for fabricating fibrous scaffolds for cartilage repair, PCL's low elasticity and slow degradation hinder clinical translation. This project explores a new triblock copolymer, PLLA-b-PCL-b-PLLA, to overcome these limitations. The research aims to optimize SES and MEW parameters and enhance mechanical integrity through annealing of multiscale scaffolds. Scaffold morphology and mechanics will be assessed via SEM and mechanical testing, while biological performance will be evaluated using bovine chondrocytes. The project offers a master's student the opportunity to contribute to the development of improved biomimetic scaffolds for cartilage regeneration.

Keywords

Cartilage Tissue Engineering Solution Electrospinning Meltelectrowriting Biomaterials Biofabrication

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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis

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Osteoarthritis (OA) affects over 32.5 million US adults and is the most common musculoskeletal condition worldwide. It is also known as degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis [1]. OA is a multifactorial, usually slow-progressing, and non-inflammatory disorder of the synovial joints that results from abnormalities in any of the synovial joint tissues, including articular cartilage, subchondral bone, ligaments, periarticular muscles, peripheral nerves, or synovium. This leads to the breakdown of cartilage and bone, resulting in pain, stiffness, and functional disability [1]. Solution Electrospinning (SES) and Melt-Electrowriting (MEW) are well-established methods for fabricating nanofibrous constructs for articular cartilage regeneration [2]. Solution electrospinning typically produces matrices characterized by stochastic fibers, limiting control over fiber deposition. Achieving precise control over the alignment and arrangement of fibers is critical for tissue engineering applications that require the guided release of proteins and growth factors [3,4]. Scaffolds are materials that cannot recapitulate the full complexity of tissue. By combining multiple biofabrication techniques, appropriate biomechanical/biophysical cues might improve tissue remodeling and thus the applicability of scaffolds for complex tissue. The gold standard for both the above-mentioned techniques is Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) due to its low melting temperature, excellent melt flow properties and thermal stability. In addition, PCL is semicrystalline, biocompatible, biodegradable, and has also been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for certain clinical purposes. All off the above makes the use of this polymer interesting for biomedical applications. While the use of PCL has yielded promising outcomes in the field of biomedical research, its translation into the clinic is not without challenges. Particularly when integrated in a dynamic environment or in soft tissue applications, PCL shows limitations characterized by low elasticity and especially slow in vivo biodegradation kinetics, increasing the possible risk of inflammation [5]. Therefore the utilization of a triblock-copolymer composed of PCL and PLLA, denoted as PLLA-b-PCL-b-PLLA is proposed.

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Published since: 2025-07-10 , Earliest start: 2025-09-01

Organization Tissue Mechanobiology

Hosts Bissacco Elisa

Topics Engineering and Technology

PhD position in meta-biomaterials synthesis and 3D-printing

The Biomaterials Engineering (BME) group of Professor Xiao-Hua Qin is hiring a PhD student in the synthesis and advanced manufacturing of metamaterials.

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polymer chemistry, materials science, metamaterials, additive manufacturing, cell-material interactions

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PhD Placement , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)

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Published since: 2025-07-07 , Earliest start: 2025-09-01 , Latest end: 2028-12-31

Applications limited to EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , ETH Zurich , IBM Research Zurich Lab , Paul Scherrer Institute , Wyss Translational Center Zurich , University of Zurich , University of Geneva , University of Berne , University of Basel , Empa , Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen , European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) , Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin , Ludwig Maximilians Universiy Munich , Max Planck Society , TU Dresden , Universität Ulm , TU Darmstadt , TU Berlin , Technische Universität München , Technische Universität Hamburg , RWTH Aachen University , University of Erlangen-Nuremberg , University of Hamburg , University of Konstanz , Imperial College London , University of Cambridge , University of Oxford , University of Nottingham , UCL - University College London , Delft University of Technology , Radboud University Nijmegen , Utrecht University , European Molecular Biology Laboratory , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Peking University , Princeton University , Technical University of Denmark , The University of Tokyo , University of California, Berkeley , University of Toronto , Yale University , Uppsala Universitet , University of California, San Diego , National University of Singapore , IDEA League , Harvard , Stanford University , The University of Edinburgh , Tsinghua University , Université de Strasbourg , University of Queensland , The University of Melbourne , University of Fribourg

Organization Qin Group / Biomaterials Engineering

Hosts Qin Xiao-Hua, Prof. Dr.

Topics Engineering and Technology , Chemistry

Optimal Trochanter Major Position During Functional Activities

Torsional abnormalities of the proximal femur are highly prevalent in the presence of hip pain, with a reported prevalence of 17% in patients who are eligible for hip preservation surgery for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) or developmental hip dysplasia (DHH). Abnormal femoral torsion (FT) is a well-established independent risk factor for the development of early hip osteoarthritis as increased FT could cause under-coverage of the femoral head, resulting in an overload of the anterosuperior joint and posterior, extra-articular, ischiofemoral impingement with levering out of the femoral head, whereas a decreased FT could lead to anterior femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Untreated FT abnormalities could compromise the results of open and arthroscopic hip preservation surgeries for FAI. Although torsional abnormalities of the proximal femur can be addressed with a subtrochanteric rotational osteotomy, the optimal FT correction remains unknown. Variations of the rotational morphology of the proximal femur might have a profound effect on hip biomechanics, as FT could influence the hip range of motion (especially internal and external rotation), the position of the greater trochanter (GT), periarticular muscle lever arms and gait pattern. FT angles and clinical evaluation of the patient (especially passive internal rotation of the hip) are the base of current recommendations for rotational osteotomies. However, in many cases, femoral and tibia torsion (TT) values measured on computer tomography (CT), the gold standard method for measuring FT and TT, are not consistent with the rotational profile during gait as observed during the clinical examination or gait analysis, suggesting a dynamic compensation.

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Internship , Master Thesis

Description

Up-to-date, limited data are available regarding the dynamic compensation of the hip in healthy individuals during functional activities. The present study hypothesis was that the position of the (GT) during maximal hip abductor muscle activation, defined as peak joint reaction force (JRFs), would be similar in all patients, regardless of FT, resulting however in different internal rotation of the femur relative to the pelvis to achieve this biomechanical optimal position. Fifteen individuals scheduled to undergo a subtrochanteric femoral osteotomy at our institution due to symptomatic torsional abnormality of the proximal femur (high or low FT) and fifteen match-controlled individuals (age, gender, BMI), without hip complaints and history of previous hip surgery or trauma have been recruited. All the subjects underwent an ultra-low-dose computed tomography (CT) of the lower extremity with 48 markers attached for the following 3D gait analysis. A gait lab analysis was performed to determine kinematic data of the pelvis, hip, knee, and foot during functional activities (level walking, stairs, standing from a sitting position, one-leg stand, squats, and lunges). These functional activities were recorded using an optical motion capture system (Vicon Motion Systems Ltd., Oxford, UK) including 24 cameras (type MX T10 and type MX T20-S). GRFs were measured using two portable Kistler force plates (9260AA) (Kistler Group, Winterthur, Switzerland). Cameras and force plates were time-synchronized (Vicon Nexus). Then, 3D models of the entire lower extremities with the markers in place will be reconstructed for measuring several anatomical parameters including FT and TT. The center of the GT will be identified in the CT position and the 3D position compared to the skin markers will be noted. The Gaitlab information will allow computing subject-specific JRFs in the lower extremities during the various tasks through musculoskeletal simulations (OpenSim, SimTK, Stanford, CA, USA).

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Published since: 2025-07-07 , Earliest start: 2025-08-01 , Latest end: 2026-07-31

Organization Snedeker Group / Laboratory for Orthopaedic Biomechanics

Hosts Fasser Marie-Rosa

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology