Postdoctoral Researcher for BBT & PSEP
This project aims to develop novel dual-property coatings for Boston Keratoprosthesis (BKPro) implants, incorporating antifibrotic and antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) functionalities. The goal is to enhance long-term retention and minimize complications like retroprosthetic membrane formation and infections.
Postdoctoral Researcher for BBT & PSEP
Deadline: 4th April 2025, but the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found
Project description
The Boston Keratoprosthesis (BKPro) represents a critical device for vision restoration in complex cases of corneal blindness, though its long-term retention is challenged by infection risks and retroprosthetic membrane (RPM) formation. Bacterial and fungal infections pose substantial risks to ocular health, resulting in corneal opacity, inflammation and graft failure. Moreover, the RPM is the most common complication after BKPro implantation. It reduces visual acuity by direct obstruction of the visual axis, and it is thought to form due to proliferation of fibrovascular tissue.
The general aim of this research project is to develop novel dual-action coatings with antifibrotic and antibacterial-antifungal properties for BKPro implants.
Objective 1: To enhance the antimicrobial properties by ion implanting silver and copper ions to achieve effective infection control while maintaining cytocompatibility. This task will be carried out jointly with Eurecat (Centre Tecnològic Catalunya, Spain).
Objective 2: To prevent the formation of RPM with a peptide coating with transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) suppressing ability. Similar molecules have been widely described to prevent fibrosis in different types of implants.
Objective 3: New Zealand albino rabbits in vivo experiments will be conducted. The explanted implanted eyes will be analyzed through optical coherence tomography (OCT), surgical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Objective 4: Exploring the development of biocompatible and biodegradable polymers to improve the cytocompatibility of the implant as well as controlling the release of compounds with pharmacological activity.
Required profile
- Education:
- PhD in Materials Science; Biomedical engineering; Bioengineering or Biotechnology.
- Preferred education:
- Biomaterials
- Other knowledge required:
- Metals, Tissue Engineering, Polymer Synthesis and Cell Biological Studies.
- Required languages:
- Spoken, read and written English and Spanish
- Technical Competences (Valuable requirements with training or experience):
- Development and characterization of metallic and polymeric biomaterials
- Mastering of physical-chemical and biological characterization techniques for metals and polymers
- Mastering of cell culture techniques with human corneal cell lines
- Mastering in characterization of antimicrobial treatments
- Key skills:
- Keratoprosthesis (Kpro); Titanium (Ti); Infection; Anti-fibrotic treatment; Antimicrobial and
antifungal properties; metallic ion implantation; Cytotoxicity; In vitro culture;
- Keratoprosthesis (Kpro); Titanium (Ti); Infection; Anti-fibrotic treatment; Antimicrobial and
Contact
Laura RubioProject and Innovation Manager
Centre de Recerca en Ciència i Enginyeria Multiescala (CCEM)
laura.rubio.ortega@upc.edu
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