materials suffer from limited mechanical performance, insufficient drug loading capacity, and poor controlled-release behavior. This project addresses these critical gaps by developing novel metal-organic framework (MOF)-based hydrogel cardiac patches capable of localized, sustained nitric oxide (NO) delivery—a key signaling molecule for vasodilation, anti-inflammation, and angiogenesis.
This fully funded PhD project will focus on the design, synthesis, and characterization of biocompatible nano-MOFs constructed from essential bio-metal ions (Zn, Fe, Ca, Mg) and amino-acid-derived organic linkers.
Specific responsibilities include:
- Synthesis and Optimization of Nano-MOFs: Using microwave-assisted solvothermal methods with chemical modulators (e.g., benzoic acid, lauric acid) to control crystal nucleation, growth, and morphology. The student will systematically introduce -SH and -NH₂ functional groups to enhance NO chemisorption and introduce unsaturated metal sites to improve stability and binding affinity.
- NO Loading and Controlled-Release Performance: The student will conduct systematic NO adsorption/desorption experiments under physiological conditions, evaluating adsorption isotherms, diffusion kinetics, cycling stability, and competitive binding with water/phosphate. Saturated MOF samples will be tested for NO release profiles under varying pressure, temperature, and buffer conditions.
- Integration into MOF-Hydrogel Composites: The selected MOF materials will be incorporated into biocompatible hydrogels (e.g., carrageenan, chitosan) via both direct blending and in-situ growth methods. The student will characterize the mechanical properties, swelling behavior, structural integrity, and NO release kinetics of the resulting cardiac patch prototypes.
- Advanced Mechanistic Studies: The student will participate in cutting-edge in situ characterization experiments at synchrotron and neutron facilities. Techniques include in situ X-ray/neutron diffraction, inelastic/quasi-elastic neutron scattering, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to elucidate atomic-level host–guest interactions, NO binding sites, and dynamic release mechanisms.
Expected Outcomes and Deliverables:
- At least 2–3 well-characterized biocompatible MOF materials with high NO loading capacity
- A prototype MOF-hydrogel cardiac patch with demonstrated mechanical integrity and controlled NO release
- Mechanistic insights into structure–property relationships guiding future material design
- Co-authorship on 1–2 high-impact publications and contribution to 1 patent application
Training and Development:
The student will gain interdisciplinary expertise spanning coordination chemistry, materials engineering, drug delivery, and advanced structural characterization. Regular collaboration with national large-scale facilities will provide unique hands-on experience with state-of-the-art instrumentation.
Required Background:
Candidates should have a strong foundation in inorganic/materials/ biological chemistry, and a keen interest in biomedical applications.
Contact:
Sihai.yang@pku.edu.cn
Jiangnan.li@pku.edu.cn
https://www.chem.pku.edu.cn/sihaiyang/index.htm
