The PhD education in Medical Science comprises carrying out a scientific project and completing at least 30 credits of courses at third-cycle level. The doctoral student must also write a scientific compilation thesis or monograph corresponding to at least 120 credits. For more information about third-cycle studies at Sahlgrenska Academy, see https://www.gu.se/en/sahlgrenska-akademin/doctoral-studies
Project: In recent years, 3D-bioprinting has emerged as a technology for tissue biofabrication. The process represents a form of additive manufacturing that employs bioinks harboring cells from the patient that are used for layer-by-layer printing of a desired 3D shape. Using 3D-printed replacement tissue potentially eliminates the disadvantages associated with using foreign material; however, current 3D-printed grafts generally lack vascularization, which severely restricts their size, given that they rely on diffusion to provide oxygen and nutrients. The diffusion range varies from ~200 µm to ~250 µm, which means that a construct totally dependent on diffusion cannot be thicker than 0.5 mm. This is likely the most critical obstacle to 3D-bioprinted constructs attaining clinical relevance.
This doctoral project has 4 specific aims, each corresponding to a tentative publication as part of a final thesis.
Aim 1: To determine the maximum graft thickness compatible with adequate nutrient and oxygen supplies when printing in a porous 3D grid as compared with solid printing
Aim 2: To determine whether the maximum thickness can be increased by seeding the grid pores with mature endothelial cells and/or EPCs from SVF.
Aim 3: To determine the maximum graft thickness compatible with adequate nutrient and oxygen supplies when printing with microfractured fat tissue and evaluate the formation of a vascular network formation in these grafts.
Aim 4: To determine whether a combination of microfractured fat and SVF or fat derived stem cells can improve vascularization further.
The studies include preparation of SVF and stem cells from fat tissue, cell sorting with FACS, cell culturing, 3D bioprinting, in vitro and in vivo experiments with cells, tissues and 3D bioprinted constructs. The applicant should to be able to directly work independently in a lab environment.
Third-cycle studies are equivalent to four year full-time and lead to a Degree of Doctor. Those appointed to doctoral studentships shall primarily devote themselves to their studies. Those appointed to doctoral studentships may, however, work to a limited extent with educational tasks, research and administration (departmental duties). Before a PhD degree has been awarded, duties of this kind may not comprise more than 20 per cent of a full-time post.