Develop a novel neurovascular in vitro systems for dynamic cellular network mapping in health and disease

​Microphysiological systems has the potential to revolutionize health care with the ability to study the dynamic interaction between human tissues and cells in a biomimetic physical environment. In specific settings, this allow detailed studies of pathophysiology with patient- or population representative samples. This interdisciplinary PhD project is a part of imec's Tenure Track program and will span across the fields of nanotechnology, engineering, biomedical sciences and regenerative medicine. The obtained work will contribute to our elevated understanding regarding neurovascular multi-cellular interactions during tissue homeostasis and disease. Further, it will inspire cross-team collaboration due to its interdisciplinary nature and provide initial data in the development of novel biomimetic model systems.

Fibrosis is a dynamic process and the result of dysregulated cell communication. This leads to the generation of non-functional extracellular matrix. When highly progressive, this can cause significant tissue or organ contraction and subsequent malfunction. While the functional outcome of fibrosis is well understood, the underlying cause for the initiation and progression is still largely unknown. Microphysiological systems allow the study of human cells and tissues under biophysiological and dynamic settings. However, the design of the in vitro platform, the microenvironment, as well as cells and tissues of choice are crucial for the predictive outcome.