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Electroporation for enhanced drug delivery to the brain: in vitro optimization using multi-electrode-arrays (MEA)
Leuven | More than two weeks ago
Develop an electroporation protocol to temporarily disrupt the blood-brain barrier
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) functions as a highly selective biological barrier that tightly regulates the transport of molecules from the vasculature to the brain. While essential for protecting the brain from circulating pathogens, the BBB also hinders efficient drug delivery, thereby limiting treatment options for neurological disorders. Methods such as acoustic stimulation or electrical field stimulation, which could temporarily disrupt the BBB are promising, but lack precision. Electroporation is another method in which high voltage pulses are used to permeabilize cells.
The student will be trained on culturing vascular cells, impedance-based cell monitoring, cell electroporation, microscopy, and data analysis.
This project aims to explore micro-electroporation as a tool for disrupting the BBB. Our in-house developed high-density multi-electrode-arrays (MEAs) with subcellular-sized electrodes will be used to monitor and electroporate vascular barriers with great detail. Electroporation parameters will be optimized, such that drug delivery efficacy is maximized while potential cytotoxic effects are minimized.
Type of project: Internship, Thesis
Duration: 6-12 months
Required degree: Master of Bioengineering, Master of Engineering Technology
Required background: Biomedical engineering, Bioscience Engineering
Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact: Ina Carmans (Ina.Carmans@imec.be) and Dries Braeken (Dries.Braeken@imec.be) and Saeedeh Ebrahimi Takalloo (Saeedeh.EbrahimiTakalloo@imec.be)
Imec allowance will be provided for students studying at a non-Belgian university.