University of Sydney
Title:
Australian Postgraduate Research Award (Industry) on scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration and use in orthopaedic applicationsResearch Areas:
Sciences & Engineering; Health SciencesType
Postgraduate ResearchDescription:
This scholarship is funded by an ARC Linkage-Projects grant and will provide support for 3 years on a full-time basis for a research project leading to a PhD. The objective of the research project is to explore the in vitro and in vivo behaviour of scaffolds for skeletal tissue regeneration. This is a joint project between the University of Sydney and the University of Western Australia, Perth.Detailed Project description: The optimum scaffold architecture for bone tissue regeneration is a porous structure with a range of porosities (40% to 90%) and a high degree of interconnectivity among the pores. It has been proved that the porosity and mechanical properties of the scaffold can directly affect the biological behaviour of the scaffold, both in-vitro and in-vivo. To achieve an optimum design, the porosity of the scaffold must be optimized in order to satisfy both biological and mechanical function requirements. However, finding the optimum conditions requires massive amounts of experiments. The only systematic way to investigate interaction of mechanical-, hydraulic-, and biological properties of scaffolds is to use a mathematical modelling approach combined with selected experiments. Thereby microCT data of Baghdadite (Ca3ZrSi2O9) scaffolds with different porosities (0%, 68%, 82% and 91%) will be converted into 3D geometric objects (using standard conversion software) which can then be imported into a Finite Element (FE) program package. This allows solid and fluid mechanical analysis of the different specimen which delivers the stiffness and hydraulic conductivity as a function of porosity. Based on these graphs an optimum ratio of stiffness to hydraulic permeability can be identified.
Skills required: Basic programming skills; material science, solid- and fluid mechanical background (continuum mechanics); possibly experience in Finite Element Analysis.
Eligibility:
Applicants should have an Honours 1 or 2A degree and or masters in Molecular/Cellular Biology, Science or Biomedical Engineering. Experience/background in histological assessments of bone/cartilage tissue interaction with biomaterials. Applicants must be Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens.Amount awarded:
The scholarship stipend is $26,669 per annum (tax exempt).Application guide:
For further information, contact A/Professor Hala Zreiqat (Phone: 02-9351-2392; Fax: 02-9351-7060 E-mail: hala.zreiqat@sydney.edu.au). Applications, including a curriculum vitae, copy of an academic transcript, proof of citizenship, the names and contact details of at least two referees should be sent to A/Professor Hala Zreiqat, School of AMME, The University of Sydney NSW 2006.Closing date:
29 October 2010For Further Reading,
