The PhD will be based in the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and will be supervised by Dr Roxane Bonithon, Dr Katerina Karali and Professor Gordon Blunn.

The work on this project will:

• Explore the potential of additive manufacturing to create porous magnesium-based scaffolds tailored for musculoskeletal regeneration.
• Investigate the influence of alloy composition and manufacturing parameters on scaffold degradation rates, mechanical integrity, and bone healing.
• Assess the influence of different alloys on biological interactions in vitro (including stem cell, osteoblast, osteoclast and macrophage), to ensure biocompatibility, promote tissue regeneration and limit inflammation.

This PhD project aims to explore the potential of additive manufacturing for producing porous magnesium (Mg)-based scaffolds designed for musculoskeletal regenerative therapies. These scaffolds address the growing need for temporary implants that support bone healing and naturally degrade over time, eliminating the need for secondary surgeries. Magnesium-based materials are highly attractive for orthopedic applications due to their excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties similar to bone. The research will focus on developing porous Mg scaffolds using advanced manufacturing techniques, with a particular emphasis on additive manufacturing. Creating controlled porosity is essential to promote bone ingrowth and vascularization while maintaining mechanical integrity during the healing process. The project will also investigate how alloy composition influence degradation rates and structural performance, aiming to optimize both mechanical and biological properties. In vitro studies will assess interactions with stem cells, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and macrophages to determine cytocompatibility, osteogenic potential, and immune response. The findings have the potential to contribute to next-generation orthopedic solutions that improve patient outcomes. To support this work, the University provides access to multiple state-of-the-art metallic 3D printers, including the 3D Systems ProX 300 and 3D Systems ProJet 5500X.

The PhD will be based in the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and will be supervised by Dr Roxane Bonithon, Dr Katerina Karali and Professor Gordon Blunn.

The work on this project will:

• Explore the potential of additive manufacturing to create porous magnesium-based scaffolds tailored for musculoskeletal regeneration.
• Investigate the influence of alloy composition and manufacturing parameters on scaffold degradation rates, mechanical integrity, and bone healing.
• Assess the influence of different alloys on biological interactions in vitro (including stem cell, osteoblast, osteoclast and macrophage), to ensure biocompatibility, promote tissue regeneration and limit inflammation.

This PhD project aims to explore the potential of additive manufacturing for producing porous magnesium (Mg)-based scaffolds designed for musculoskeletal regenerative therapies. These scaffolds address the growing need for temporary implants that support bone healing and naturally degrade over time, eliminating the need for secondary surgeries. Magnesium-based materials are highly attractive for orthopedic applications due to their excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties similar to bone. The research will focus on developing porous Mg scaffolds using advanced manufacturing techniques, with a particular emphasis on additive manufacturing. Creating controlled porosity is essential to promote bone ingrowth and vascularization while maintaining mechanical integrity during the healing process. The project will also investigate how alloy composition influence degradation rates and structural performance, aiming to optimize both mechanical and biological properties. In vitro studies will assess interactions with stem cells, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and macrophages to determine cytocompatibility, osteogenic potential, and immune response. The findings have the potential to contribute to next-generation orthopedic solutions that improve patient outcomes. To support this work, the University provides access to multiple state-of-the-art metallic 3D printers, including the 3D Systems ProX 300 and 3D Systems ProJet 5500X.