Development of brain tumour margin-on-a-chip model for treatment of tumour recurrence

This project aims to engineer an organ-on-chip model that enables the co-culture of healthy neural cells with glioblastoma spheroids on a scale (millimetres) that microsurgical resection can be performed. After micro-resection, the regrowth of the remaining glioblastoma cells in the resection cavity will be monitored over time enabling quantification of recurrence characteristics and potential for screening novel therapeutic delivery. Three aims will be targeted in this project:

(1) Engineering a hydrogel-based microphysiological system capable of culturing healthy neural tissue and glioblastoma spheroids with access for microsurgical resection.

(2) Cellular characterisation of stages of recurrences at the on-chip tumour margin

(3) Embedding electronic sensors into the on-chip system tumour margin to enable testing of electrical treatment modalities such as tumour treating fields (TTFs) and monitoring physiological state changes during recurrence

This project will lead to improved understanding of phenotypic shifts in GBM cells over different recurrence timepoints in response to electrotherapies for GBM. Through a collaboration with Coherence Neuro, the successful candidate will be able to cross validate their findings with in vivo experiments using a novel electrotherapeutic device for GBM treatment.

This project is part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Next Generation Organ on a Chip Technology (COaCT)

Who should apply?

We are looking for students who have an enthusiasm for organ-on-a-chip technologies, with a range of backgrounds including biology, biochemistry, genetics, materials science, biomedical engineering and other related subjects. Students should have some experimental background and enthusiasm for working in the laboratory. Applicants are not expected to have experience in all elements of this field; training will be provided as part of the PhD to support the development of important skills.

Application Process

Applications for this project are through the COaCT admissions process. Applicants are asked to make one application to the COaCT and list their project preferences from all project currently available as listed here: http://www.cpm.qmul.ac.uk/cdt/projects/projects2026open

The process is explained in detail here: http://www.cpm.qmul.ac.uk/cdt/applications/stepbystep