BioSoft Sensors: Soft Hydrogel-Based Sensors for Next-Generation Wearable Health Monitoring (Ref: MP-EM-2601)

About the Project

Aim: to advance the development of next-generation wearable sensors that are soft and adaptable to human skin. It aligns with global trends in personalised medicine and smart wearable devices.

Wearable sensors have emerged as a critical component in personalised healthcare, enabling continuous monitoring of physiological parameters. Temperature sensing is particularly important for detecting fever, monitoring wound healing, and managing chronic conditions. Conventional sensors often lack flexibility, biocompatibility, and comfort for long-term wear. Hydrogels, with their high-water content, softness, and tuneable properties, present an ideal platform for wearable sensors. This research focuses on developing hydrogel-based temperature sensors via cryogelation, which enables physical crosslinking of polymer networks without the use of chemical agents. Conductive fillers will be integrated for temperature sensing, delivering a robust, eco-friendly platform for continuous physiological temperature tracking.

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead:
Dr Elisa Mele e.mele2@lboro.ac.uk

Name of secondary supervisor:
Dr Yi Liu https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/materials/staff/yi-liu/

Entry requirements:
Students should have, or expect to achieve, at least a minimum of a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science or a related discipline.

English language requirements:
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Bench fees required: Yes - Bench fee value: 2000 GBP

Closing date of advert: 1st July 2026

Start date: October 2026

Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time 3 years

Fee band: 2025/26 Band RB (UK £5,006, International £28,600)

How to Apply:

• Stage 1: You are strongly advised to contact Dr Elisa Mele in the first instance on e.mele2@lboro.ac.uk with a CV, academic transcripts, a reference letter, and confirmation of funding source. Informal discussions are also welcome.
• Stage 2: Following discussion with Dr Elisa Mele, applicants will be invited to make a formal application at online. Under programme name, select ‘Materials’ and quote the advert reference number MP-EM-2601 in your application

Project search terms:
bioengineering, biomedical engineering, materials science, nanotechnology, polymers, hydrogels, wearable devices, healthcare, sensors, wearable sensors

Email Address AACME:
aacme.pgr@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk