Rebuilding bone: additive bio-manufacturing of functionalized nanoclay bone tissue engineering scaffolds

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Dr Weiguang Wang

This project aims to transform the treatment of large bone defects by creating personalised, 3D-printed scaffolds that are strong, bioactive and clinically relevant. You will develop functionalised nanoclay hydrogel bioinks, optimise additive bio-manufacturing, and validate performance in vitro with engineering–medicine collaboration and Renovos Biologics.

The project will develop 3D-printed personalised bone tissue engineering scaffolds, targeting the rapid regeneration of critical-sized bone defects due to accidents or diseases. Novel nanoclay-based hydrogel biomaterials will be synthesised, integrating patient-centred design and digital manufacturing feedback tools to optimise mechanical and biological performance.

You'll work across School of Engineering and School of Human Development and Health, and also collaborate with Renovos Biological Ltd, to investigate the relationships between scaffold architecture, material functionality, and tissue response, enabling digitally informed healthcare manufacturing and accelerating translation to clinical and industrial applications.

Four key tasks will be delivered:

• development of novel bioink and scaffold
• development of bespoke bioprinting strategy
• conduct biological validation work for pre-clinical proof
• explore translational pathway and industry integration

Entry requirements

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.

Fees and funding

We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.

Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.

Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants.

Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

For more information, please visit our postgraduate research funding pages.

How to apply

Apply now

You need to:

• choose programme type (Research), 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• search for programme PhD Engineering & the Environment (7175)
• add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application

Applications should include:

• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)