Transparent 3D-printed soil: biophysics and metabolomics of root-soil interactions

About the Project

This project is sponsored by Syngenta

Supervisors:

• Dr Giovanni Sena, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial
• Dr Iain Dunlop, Department of Materials, Imperial
• Dr Gerald Larrouy-Maumus, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial
• Dr Mark Johnston, Syngenta
• Dr Giovambattista Depietra, Syngenta
• Dr Ali Mohammed, School of Design, Royal College of Art & School of Design Engineering, Imperial

Abstract:

Understanding how soil structure influences plant growth and metabolism at the molecular level is fundamental to agricultural science, yet root systems remain inaccessible to quantitative study in natural soil due to optical opacity and environmental heterogeneity. This project develops transparent, 3D-printed hydrogel substrates that replicate authentic soil pore architecture, enabling direct imaging of root system development coupled with metabolomic profiling under controlled conditions.

Using X-ray micro-computed tomography to characterise real soils under different management practices, this project will translate volumetric data into printable CAD models and fabricate biocompatible substrates via stereolithography. The platform enables systematic investigation of how soil physical structure affects root architecture and metabolite exudation—measurements currently impossible in natural soil or structurally unrealistic transparent substitutes.

The MRes phase establishes the imaging-to-printing pipeline using Arabidopsis; the PhD extends to crop species (wheat, tomato) and agricultural challenges, including chemical treatments, biotic interactions, and abiotic stress.

The project is an interdisciplinary collaboration with Syngenta, integrating X-ray imaging, additive manufacturing, plant biology, and metabolomics, with Syngenta providing agricultural R&D context and imaging expertise.

Keywords:

Controlled-environment agriculture; Soil model; X-ray micro-computed tomography; 3D-printed hydrogel; Root imaging; Root system architecture; Plant metabolomics

Eligibility:

This project is only open to applicants with Home fee status. For further information, please review our Eligibility criteria and How to apply.

Deadline:

Thursday 21st May 2026, 5pm.

This studentship opportunity was released on 22nd April 2026