science.editor
Posts 45
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Nanoparticle Toxicology Studies in 2D and 3D Systems
KEY CONTENT:
Nanotechnologies are among the fastest growing areas of scientific research and have important applications in a wide variety of fields. Nanomaterials, in particular nanoparticles such as titanium dioxide, iron oxide, silver and gold, are increasingly being used in healthcare and as constituents in consumer products. However, whilst the potential of these particles hold great promise, there are large gaps in our understanding regarding the human risk to exposure and the actual behaviour of nanoparticles within body tissues [1]. There are various possible routes of entry for nanoparticles into the body, but the skin is regarded as one of the more important given that it is the largest organ of the body and its main functional role is to act as a protective barrier. This project aims to capitalise on a tissue engineered human skin cell model system (a cell seeded collagen gel) to provide much needed useful data on the penetration and influence of various nanoparticles into human tissue models and the subsequent influence of possible particle uptake into cells on cell viability, growth and motility. Similar studies will also be performed on cells in traditional monolayer culture, allowing for comparisons in cell response. This is an interdisciplinary studentship, with the applicant being trained in microfluidic nanoparticle synthesis [2], 2D and 3D cell culture and a variety of cell biology techniques. The applicant will be based in the Centre for Cell Engineering at the University of Glasgow.
This project requires skills relevant at the interface of the life and physical sciences
The studentship is for three years full time, funded by EPSRC. The stipend will be at least £13,290/year.
Original Source: http://www.findaphd.com/search/showproject.asp?projectid=28084
edited by science.editor on 5/2/2010
edited by science.editor on 5/19/2010
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