The impact of biomaterial structure and mechanics on the cellular response

The project aims to develop novel scanning electron based analytical tools and quantification methodologies/protocols that will enable a fundamental understanding of the interplay between biomaterials and cells at the nanometre scale in order to guide future biomaterials research. The electron microscopy characterisation methodology development work will be done in conjunction with other characterisation techniques at a range of length scales, including such as Raman spectroscopy, advanced mechanical testing of the bulk material and an assessment of cellular adhesion, viability and proliferation for a range of biomaterials. First you will be developing secondary electron hyperspectral imaging (SEHI) protocols for existing biomaterial blend systems. The biomaterials that you will focus upon initially are known to substantially differ in their cellular response, but no clear mechanism for this has been identified to date by standard characterisation methods. Then, you will develop a systematic analysis strategy for SEHI data, e.g. making use of machine learning approaches you adapt/develop which will allow you to identify specific spectral signatures in terms of biomaterial/cell chemistry or topography respectively. Through the application of the latter to SEHI datasets obtained from blend materials with different compositions you are expected to link nanoscale structural, chemical and bulk mechanical information to cell behaviour with an ultimate aim of establishing key design rules for future biomaterials taking account the role of nano-scale design - a research area so far neglected due to the lack of suitable analytical tools/methodologies.