Tuning model colloidal gels by external magnetic fields – Applications in tissue engineering

Supervisor
J. de Vicente
 (
UGR
)
CoSupervisors
R. Sánchez-Martín
 (
NANOGE
)
S. Manneville
 (
CNRS
)

We will generate magnetic colloidal gels in aself-healing hydrogel matrix by applying unsteady, superimposed triaxial magnetic fields. The gels will comprise model magnetic systems and conventional non-magnetic gels containing magnetically stimulated inclusions. The types of magnetic input used to achieve these gels will include rotating, precessing, and pulsed 3D fields with excitation frequencies up to 2 kHz. The article-based structures generated in this manner will serve as a scaffold forcells that are embedded in the hydrogel prior to formation. The colloidal scaffold will guide the cells to grow and form functional, anisotropic structures. Biological assays include viability tests (7-ADA, MTT, Anexin / PI, Live / Dead viability, etc.), proliferation tests (MTT, Alarma Blue), and differentiation tests (using surface receptors and intracellular proteins). Rheological tests of the matrices, gels, and cell-gel composites will be carried out under triaxial unsteady fields in an inverted high-speed confocal rheomicroscope.

Industrial secondment: The DC will be at NANOGE (18M/M18 - M36) to receive training on cell viability,proliferation, and differentiation.

Academic secondments: CNRS (1M/M17): Hands - on experience in rheo-microscopy and image analysis.