Mechanotransduction and Viscoelastic Characterization of Multicellular Spheroids: Integrating Microfluidic and i-Rheo-Optical Assays
Supervisors:
Dr Manlio Tassieri, James Watt School of Engineering, (University of Glasgow)
Prof Matt Dalby, School of Molecular Biosciences, (University of Glasgow)
Dr Monica Oliveira, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (University of Strathclyde)
Summary:
This PhD project offers an exciting opportunity to develop cutting-edge assays for studying the mechanical properties of multicellular spheroids—3D models that closely resemble the structure of tissues. The student will design a high-throughput microfluidic assay and apply a novel i-Rheo-optical assay to measure the viscoelastic properties of these spheroids. While microfluidic assays are traditionally used for single cells, this project will extend their capabilities to 3D spheroids and provide insights into frequency-dependent mechanical behaviour. The i-Rheo-optical assay, although not high-throughput, offers a cost-effective and simple method for detailed mechanical analysis.
The project brings together experts in biology, microfluidics, and rheology, offering the student interdisciplinary training and hands-on experience in these areas. The student will develop skills in advanced techniques such as optical microscopy, microfluidic device fabrication, and data analysis, along with cell culture and experimental design.
Graduating from this project, the student will be equipped with a wide range of technical and transferable skills, making them highly competitive for careers in academia, biotechnology, and healthcare sectors, particularly in fields related to tissue engineering, cancer research, and biophysics.