Harnessing Ancient Chinese Movable Type 3D Printing for Point-of-Care Microfluidic Diagnostics in Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases

Summary

Research Area:

Microfluidics, Point of care, Vessel on chip, Mechanobiology, Thrombosis 

Supervisor

Dr Lining (Arnold) Ju.

Research location

Biomedical Engineering

Synopsis

Project Description:

Thrombosis, resulting in devastating cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, stands as the predominant global killer. A particularly challenging variant, Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), has been thrust into the spotlight due to its links with stroke and the observed complications from certain COVID-19 vaccines.

It's long-established that platelets play a central role in thrombosis. However, our latest research has unveiled a biomechanical prothrombotic mechanism that underscores platelets' sheer sensitivity to blood flow disturbance gradients. Alarmingly, prevalent anti-thrombotic drugs such as Aspirin, Plavix®, or Brilinta®, present limited efficacy against this mechanism.

Our team, based at the state-of-the-art Biomedical Engineering School and the Charles Perkins Centre, seeks to address this critical gap. Integrating principles from the ancient "Chinese Movable Type" printing with modern microfluidic biochip design, we've conceptualized the Vein-Chip platform. This innovative tool can simulate patient-specific CVST vascular anatomy using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), coupled with the associated haemodynamic flow profile. This cost-effective, rapid, and scalable chip paves the way for personalized thrombotic assessment and monitoring, holding significant promise for a clinical breakthrough.

Further information:

We are looking for candidates with the following skills and experience:

• Academic knowledge in the discipline of biophysics, biomechanics, electrophysiology, cell biology and biochemistry.
• Capability of using two or more of ANASYS, Comsol, Labview, AutoCAD, MATLAB, 3D-max, PRO-E, SolidWorks, ZEMAX and other software.
• Experience with the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for haemodynamics or PIV analysis of haemorheology.

Preferred experience includes:

• Minimum one-year expertise in clean room micro/nano processing and soft lithography.
• Experience with theoretical simulation using Matlab, Comsol, or Labview programming for equipment and device control.
• Proficiency in creating processing models, CNC programming, mechanical part manufacturing, and 3D printing.
• Pre-doctoral accomplishments such as publications, conference papers, and evidences of independent research.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.

To learn more about the Snow-Ju Lab: Mechanobiology and Biomechanics Laboratory (MBL) and our research, please visit our official website (https://snowmedical.org.au/fellow/lining-arnold-ju/). For more information on A/Prof Ju's Snow Fellowship and groundbreaking research, check out these public release news articles:

A father had a heart attack at 54. His son’s technology could have predicted it (https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/a-father-had-a-heart-attack-at-56-his-son-s-technology-could-ve-predicted-it-20230327-p5cvkj.html)

Additional information

How to Apply:

To apply, please email arnold.ju@sydney.edu.au with the subject line “PhD Application”, the project title in the body of the email, and attach the following:

• CV
• Transcripts

And complete an Expression of Interest Form via https://sydney.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5vSA2po0sooUt0i

Want to find out more?

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 3499

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