Student Projects

**What are we looking for?** We are looking for a motivated master student who is interested in exploring the field of acoustofluidics and the process of medical device design; from conceptualization to experimental validation. The basic knowledge of CAD and cell culture is helpful but not necessary. **What will you learn?** You will learn the following techniques: • Basics of acoustofluidic device design • COMSOL Multiphysics modeling of solid mechanics and fluid pressure acoustic domains • CAD modelling, technical drawing and tolerancing • Formation and culture of microtissues • Gel formation and microtissue embedding • Device characterization and experimental validation

The project aims to design, fabricate and test an optically transparent acoustofluidic device for live microtissue embedding and imaging. It involves the following tasks: • Rational design of the device geometry for simultaneous and selective particle levitation, imaging and photo-crosslinking compatibility • Research on suitable transmission, reflector and transducer materials • Multiphysics simulation of acoustic pressure in the device using FEM (COMSOL) • Fabrication, assembly and characterization of the device • Formation and culture of model microtissues • Formation and characterization of gel • Experiment validation via levitation of live microtissues in the gel precursor solution followed by photo-cross-linking in situ

Saumitra Joshi (joshis@ethz.ch). Please send me an email with your CV and transcripts.

As the lead student on the biological side, you’ll explore how human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) respond when we tweak their environment’s mechanical properties. You’ll use core molecular biology tools to decode their behavior: • Immunostaining to visualize structural changes and key signaling proteins like YAP/TAZ or ECM components like collagen and fibronectin. • qPCR to profile how gene expression shifts in response to changes in stiffness and osmotic stress. • Western blotting to validate pathway activation and identify how cells process mechanical information at the protein level. . Play with different hydrogles as substrate PEG, Collagen and Polyacrylamide

• Investigate the interaction between osmotic pressure and substrate stiffness in regulating fibroblast behavior. Literature: 1. L. Garau Paganella, et al., Biomaterials Advanced, 2024 2. Z. Liu et al., Scientific reports, 2022 3. M. Garcìa et al., Nature communications,2022 4. L. Thompson et al., Frontiers, 2020 5. K.M. Wisdom et al., Nature communication, 2018 6. A. Wahlsten et al., Biomaterials, 2021 • Analyze changes in fibroblast metabolism, cytoskeletal organization, and proliferation in response to these mechanical stimuli. • Explore the involvement of key signaling pathways, including P38 and YAP/TAZ, and assess potential crosstalk between them.

ficuni@ethz.ch

This project will advance mechanobiology by utilizing a state-of-the-art bioreactor to study the interplay of hydrostatic pressure and substrate stiffness. The integration of diverse biological assays will offer a comprehensive view of cellular behavior, providing a valuable platform for future research in skin physiology and beyond.

Objectives The primary goal is to evaluate the effect of hydrostatic pressure and substrate stiffness on cell behavior. The project aims to: - Validate the bioreactor’s ability to maintain precise mechanical conditions. - Examine cellular behavior using biological assays that reveal metabolic, structural, protein-level, and gene expression responses. Candidate Background We are seeking a student with an interdisciplinary background and a strong willingness to learn. While foundational knowledge in a core discipline (e.g. biomedical engineering, or mechanical engineering) is important, no extensive experience is required. As this is an interdisciplinary project and the bioreactor has not been validated yet, the student should be willing to also make some changes to the reactor if the need arises. Furthermore, in this project most of the work will include working in a biolab, doing essays and doing cell work. Experience in this is advantageous but not required.

ficuni@ethz.ch jbinz@ethz.ch