Multicellular spheroids play an important role in the fields of tissue engineering and tumor biology as models for tissues since these 3D cell aggregates better mimic *in vivo* conditions, by reproducing nutrient and signal gradients, cell-cell contacts as well as extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. We have developed in collaboration with the group of Tissue Regeneration (BMTI, U. Twente) a novel technique for preparing large amounts of small-sized (< 200 μm) and reproducible spheroids from various cell lines. Our current goal is to characterize these tissues in a non invasive way and in real time.
For that purpose, we plan to apply SECM (Scanning ElectroChemical Microscopy) for monitoring cellular activity in small spheroids down to the single cell level as an alternative technique to usual fluorescent measurements that imply the destruction of the tissues. SECM has already been reported for a wide range of applications to monitor and quantify various cellular functions, at the level of a single cell or a
population.
The Ph.D candidate will focus on the SECM-based characterization of spheroids. His/her work will start by mapping the respiratory activity of cells (O2consumption) of cells in a 3D cell aggregate and to correlate this with the cell fate and the formation of functional microtissues; cell death, proliferation or differentiation present different respiration patterns/level. Following this, the candidate will focus on angiogenesis or the formation/sprouting of capillaries, and this can be seen via the detection of the released NO. Last, the candidate will use SECM as a technique to map the reorganization of cells in functional microtissues.
For detail information please visit:
http://ut-iso.org/lowongan-s3/168/ph-d-position-monitoring-cellular-activity-using-secm
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