CMT-DN
CerebroMachinesTrain
Doctoral Network
Doctoral Candidates
Innovative projects
Gain expertise in:
- drug delivery devices / tiny machines (TMs)
- brain-on-chip platforms (VRAINORGs).
CMT-DN OVERVIEW
CMT-DN will
train 14 Doctoral Candidates (DCs)
in the state-of-the art of
Tiny Machines (TMs)
and
Vascularized brAIN (ORGanoids)-on-chip models (VRAINORGs)
for CerebroVascular Diseases (CVDs)
CMT-DN RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
CONSORTIUM
Leading academic
institutions
Leading core
industry
Projects
Each CMT-DN project will be guided by: a primary supervisor (host institution) + interdisciplinary co-supervisor(s) + intersectoral secondment co-supervisor(s) (partner institutions).
CMT-DN includes mandatory industry secondments for all DCs and project-specific virtual interactions with all consortium members
DC1Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for cerebrovascular diseases
Host institution: University of Galway
PhD enrolment: University of Galway
Project objectives:
O1: To synthesize a MOFs using optimal conditions (molar ratio of the reactants, solvents, metal sources, and temperature) for tunable porosity;
O2: To identify and characterise the optimal conditions for the MOF activation, entrapment and release of the baseline therapeutic, followed by the intended therapeutic (i.e., vasodilator, neuroprotector);
O3: To investigate the effect of the TM1 empty versus therapeutic MOFs (e.g., toxicity, neuronal response, impact on vascularisation) in the VRAINORG 1 platform.
Secondment: Microfluidic Innovation Centre
Primary supervisor: Dr. Constantina Papatriantafyllopoulou (University of Galway)
Co-supervisors: Prof. Nico Bruns (Technische Universitat Darmstadt), Dr. Lisa Muiznieks (Microfluidic Innovation Centre)
DC2Mechanosensitive gated polymersomes
Host institution: University of Galway
PhD enrolment: University of Galway
Project objectives:
O1: To express and purify engineered mechanosensitive ion channels with facilitated valve opening control;
O2: To identify the optimal conditions for the fabrication of mechano-gated polymersomes (via self-assembly of amphiphilic block-copolymers) containing the incorporated engineered mechanosensitive valves and the encapsulation and controlled release of the baseline therapeutic, followed by the intended therapeutic;
O3: To investigate the effect of the TM2 empty versus therapeutic mechanosensitive gated polymersomes in the VRAINORG 1 platform.
Secondment: Microfluidic Innovation Centre
Primary supervisor: Dr. Mihai Lomora (University of Galway)
Co-supervisors: Dr. Siobhan Crilly (University of Galway), Dr. Annalisa Tirella (University of Trento), Dr. Lisa Muiznieks (Microfluidic Innovation Centre)
DC3Phytoplankton-based micromotors as carriers for cerebrovascular drugs
Host institution: University of Galway
PhD enrolment: University of Galway
Project objectives:
O1: To culture phytoplankton and isolated carrier scaffolds;
O2:To functionalise the surface of phytoplankton scaffolds with micromotor-activating agent, baseline therapeutic, followed by the intended therapeutic (i.e., vasodilator, neuroprotector);
O3: To investigate the effect of TM3 phytoplankton micromotor with CVP drugs on the designated VRAINORG 3 platform.
Secondment: React4Life
Primary supervisor: Dr. Mihai Lomora (University of Galway)
Co-supervisors: Dr. Siobhan Crilly (University of Galway), Dr. Silvia Scaglione (React4Life)
DC4Layer-by-layer (LbL) capsules release on demand cerebro-protective drugs
Host institution: Basque Center for Macromolecular Design and Engineering
PhD enrolment: The University of the Basque Country
Project objectives:
O1: To identify the optimal conditions for the fabrication of LbL capsules based on polyelectrolytes containing baseline therapeutic, followed by the intended therapeutic;
O2:To perform physico-chemical, biocompatibility and release studies to fully characterize the LbL capsules as delivery vehicles for therapeutic agents (i.e., vasodilator, neuroprotector);
O3: To investigate the effect of TM4 polymeric empty versus therapeutic LbL capsules on the designated VRAINORG 1 platform.
Secondment: Microfluidics Innovation Center
Primary supervisor: Prof. Aitor Larrañaga (Basque Center for Macromolecular Design and Engineering, The University of the Basque Country);
Co-supervisor: Dr. Maria Valentina Dinu (Petru Poni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry)
DC5Tailored responsive nanogels for cerebro-vascular diseases
Host institution: Basque Center for Macromolecular Design and Engineering
PhD enrolment: The University of the Basque Country
Project objectives:
O1: To design and fabricate crosslinked nanogels that enable the entrapment and release of cerebro-protective drugs upon triggering conditions;
O2: To characterize the drug protective nature, the entrapment and release of nanogels as delivery nanocarriers containing baseline therapeutic, followed by the intended therapeutic;
O3: To investigate the effect of TM5 polymeric nanogels on the designated VRAINORG 1 platform.
Secondment: Microfluidics Innovation Center
Primary supervisors: Prof. Marcelo Calderón, Dr. Ana Beloqui (Basque Center for Macromolecular Design and Engineering)
Co-supervisors: Dr. Mihai Lomora (University of Galway), Dr. Lisa Muiznieks (Microfluidics Innovation Center)
DC6Injectable nano/micro hydrogels for the delivery of brain-therapeutics
Host institution: University of Trento
PhD enrolment: University of Trento
Project objectives:
O1: To design and fabricate nano/micro hydrogels that enable the capture and release of brain-therapeutics upon triggering conditions;
O2: To characterize the hydrogels as delivery nano/micro-carriers for baseline therapeutic, followed by the intended therapeutic (i.e., vasodilator, neuroprotector);
O3: To investigate the effect of TM6 injectable nano/micro hydrogels (e.g., toxicity, neuronal response, impact on vascularisation) on the designated VRAINORG 5 platform.
Secondment: ibidi
Primary supervisors: Dr. Annalisa Tirella, Dr. Luca Tiberi (University of Trento)
Co-supervisors: Dr. Siobhan Crilly, Dr. Mihai Lomora (University of Galway), Dr. Zeno Guttenberg (ibidi)
DC7Biopolymer-based nano-/microgels (NMGs) for brain treatment
Host institution: Petru Poni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry
PhD enrolment: Petru Poni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry
Project objectives:
O1: To fabricate a biopolymer-based NMG for the incorporation of a brain-related therapeutic;
O2: To perform physico-chemical and biocompatibility characterisation of NMG therapeutics for baseline therapeutic, followed by the intended therapeutic;
O3: To assess the performance of the TM7 brain-related NMG-therapeutic in the VRAINORG 1 model.
Secondment: Microfluidic Innovation Centre
Primary supervisor: Dr. Maria Valentina Dinu (Petru Poni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry)
Co-supervisors: Dr. Mihai Lomora (University of Galway), Dr. Lisa Muiznieks (Microfluidics Innovation Center)
DC8Shear-stressed enabled polymer-based nanoreactors
Host institution: Technical University of Darmstadt
PhD enrolment: Technical University of Darmstadt
Project objectives:
O1: To synthesise and functionalise block copolymers for added intrinsic mechanical properties;
O2: To design a shear-activated nanoreactor capable of local synthesis of baseline therapeutic, followed by the intended therapeutic (i.e., vasodilator, neuroprotector);
O3: To investigate the effect of TM8 nanoreactor on the designated VRAINORG 2 platform.
Secondment: Mimetas
Primary supervisor: Prof. Nico Bruns (Technical University of Darmstadt)
Co-supervisors: Dr. Aitor Larrañaga (Basque Center for Macromolecular Design and Engineering), Dr. Nienke Wevers (Mimetas)
DC9Microfluidic system compatible with brain organoid developments
Host institution: Microfluidics Innovation Center
PhD enrolment: University of Galway
Project objectives:
O1: Design and construct a platform for vascularised brain cell perfusion, considering the properties of brain cells (requirement of low shear stress, oxygen levels and pH of culture medium);
O2: Include sensors for oxygen and pH measurements for real-time monitoring of culture conditions;
O3: Test and validate system with cell culture / pre-developed brain organoids;
O4: Use VRAINORG 1 to test TM1 & assess potential new findings from other workpackages.
Secondment: University of Galway
Primary supervisor: Dr. Lisa Muiznieks (Microfluidics Innovation Center)
Co-supervisors: Dr. Aitor Larrañaga (Basque Center for Macromolecular Design and Engineering), Dr. Mihai Lomora (University of Galway)
DC10Vascularised brain-on-chip screen using OrganoPlate®
Host institution: Mimetas
PhD enrolment: Amsterdam University Medical Center
Project objectives:
O1: Develop and characterize 3D neurovascular unit on-a-chip models comprising brain microvascular endothelial cells, astrocytes, neurons, and immune cells in the OrganoPlate®;
O2: Model cerebrovascular pathologies, e.g. modelling ischemic stroke using oxygen/glucose deprivation techniques or modelling neuroinflammation using cytokines;
O3: Develop and validate assays to assess effects of cerebrovascular pathologies in the neurovascular unit on-a-chip model (immunostaining, PCR, ATP production, production of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial assays, immune cell adhesion/migration);
O4: Use VRAINORG 2 to test TM2 & assess potential new findings from other workpackages.
Secondment: VUmc, GAL
Primary supervisor: Dr. Nico Wevers (Mimetas)
Co-supervisors: Prof. Nico Bruns (Technical University of Darmstadt), Prof. Helga de Vries (Amsterdam University Medical Center), Dr. Mihai Lomora (University of Galway)
DC11Vascularised brain-on-chip screen using MIVO®
Host institution: React4Life
PhD enrolment: University of Milano-Bicocca
Project objectives:
O1: Develop and characterize 3D neurovascular unit on-a-chip models comprising brain microvascular endothelial cells, astrocytes, neurons, and circulating immune cells in the MIVO® OOC;
O2: Model neuroinflammation using cytokines and immune cells infiltration and interplay;
O3: Develop and validate assays to assess effects of cerebrovascular pathologies in the neurovascular unit on-a-chip model (immunostaining, PCR, ATP production, production of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial assays, immune cell adhesion/migration);
O4: Use VRAINORG 3 to test TM1 & assess potential new findings from other workpackages.
Secondment: University of Galway, University of Milano-Bicocca
Primary supervisor: Dr. Silvia Scaglione (React4Life)
Co-supervisors: Dr. Maria Valentina Dinu (Petru Poni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry), Dr. Mihai Lomora (University of Galway), Prof. Laura Cipolla (University of Milano-Bicocca)
DC12Vascularised brain-on-chip screen using in-house 3D brain models
Host institution: University of Trento
PhD enrolment: University of Trento
Project objectives:
O1: Develop and characterize in-house 3D brain models with vasculature;
O2: Model neuroinflammation using cytokines and immune cells infiltration and interplay;
O3: Develop and validate assays to assess effects of cerebrovascular pathologies in the 3D vascularised brain models (immunostaining, PCR, ATP production, production of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial assays, immune cell adhesion/migration);
O4: Use VRAINORG 4 to test TM1 & assess potential new findings from other workpackages.
Secondment: ibdi, University of Galway
Primary supervisors: Dr. Luca Tiberi, Dr. Annalisa Tirella (University of Trento)
Co-supervisors: Dr. Siobhan Crilly, Dr. Mihai Lomora (University of Galway), Dr. Zeno Guttenberg (ibidi)
DC13Vascularised brain-on-chip screen using ibidi® chip platform technology
Host institution: ibidi
PhD enrolment: Technical University of Darmstadt
Project objectives:
O1: Develop and characterize a brain-on-chip 3D model with vasculature using the ibidi® chip platform technology;
O2: Model neuroinflammation using cytokines and immune cells infiltration and interplay;
O3: Develop and validate assays to assess effects of cerebrovascular pathologies ibidi® chip developed platform (immunostaining, PCR, ATP production, production of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial assays, immune cell adhesion/migration);
O4: Use VRAINORG 5 to test TM3 and assess potential new findings from other workpackages.
Secondment: University of Galway
Primary supervisor: Dr. Zeno Guttenberg (ibidi)
Co-supervisors: Dr. Annalisa Tirella (University of Trento), Dr. Mihai Lomora & Dr. Siobhan Crilly (University of Galway)
DC143D Brain-on-a-chip screen using in-house 3D brain models
Host institution: University of Galway
PhD enrolment: University of Galway
Project objectives:
O1: Develop and characterize 3D neurovascular unit on-a-chip models comprising brain microvascular endothelial cells, astrocytes, neurons, and circulating immune cells in the custom ibidi® chip;
O2: Model neuroinflammation using cytokines and immune cells infiltration and interplay;
O3: Develop and validate assays to assess effects of cerebrovascular pathologies in the neurovascular unit on-a-chip model (immunostaining, PCR, ATP production, production of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial assays, immune cell adhesion/migration);
O4: Use VRAINORG 6 to test TM1 & assess potential new findings from other workpackages.
Secondment: ibidi, University of Galway
Primary supervisor: Dr. Mihai Lomora (University of Galway)
Co-supervisors: Dr. Luca Tiberi (University of Trento), Dr. Zeno Guttenberg (ibidi), Dr. Constantina Papatriantafyllopoulou (University of Galway)
Eligibility
Before applying, please check your eligibility. Eligible fellows must:
01Comply with the mobility rule
Mobility rule: Fellows must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting institution (beneficiary) for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.
02Not be excluded based on nationality
Recruited fellows can be of any nationality.
03 Be Doctoral Candidates
You must be a Doctoral candidate, which means you must not already be in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.
04 If succesful, you must be enrolled in a doctoral programme
Following recruitment, you must be enrolled in a doctoral programme at the PhD-awarding institution for the specific project. Please refer to the individual project listings for further details.
