Master’s Thesis: Surface Modification of Membranes for Organ-on-Chip Devices in Reutlingen
Excellent research with a focus on practical application – this is the ambition of the NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute in Reutlingen. We are an independent research institute working at the interface of life sciences and materials science. With our interdisciplinary expertise, we are a strong partner for research and development as well as scientific and technical services for regional and international companies.
The Organ-on-Chip group at the NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute offers the opportunity to conduct a Master’s thesis at the earliest possible starting date.
Your Area of Work
Organ-on-chip devices are microfluidic systems designed to reproduce selected structural and functional features of human tissues and organs in vitro. They can provide physiologically relevant test environments for biomedical research, drug development, and the investigation of tissue responses under controlled conditions.
At NMI, we develop organ-on-chip devices with integrated porous membranes and microfluidic structures. These membranes are important functional components, for example for separating different tissue compartments while allowing exchange between them. Reliable bonding of the individual chip components is essential for long-term operation under perfusion and cell-culture conditions.
The aim of this thesis is to investigate different surface modification and coating approaches for these membranes. Different silane-based and other coatings will be compared with respect to their influence on bonding strength and long-term stability.
Subject of the Thesis
- Surface modification and coating of membranes for organ-on-chip devices
- Evaluation of device stability and leakage resistance
- Long-term perfusion testing under incubator conditions
- Comparison of bonding strength for different surface treatments
- Mechanical characterization of bonded interfaces
- Fabrication and bonding of test devices
What You Should Bring
- Master’s studies in materials science, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, polymer science, microsystems engineering, biotechnology, or a related discipline
- Interest in surface chemistry, materials characterization, and microfluidic systems
- Practical laboratory experience is advantageous
- Independent, careful, and proactive working style
What We Offer
- A motivated, competent, and multidisciplinary team
- The opportunity to work independently with good scientific supervision
- Practical experience in organ-on-chip technology, surface modification, and materials characterization
- Excellent technical equipment
Please indicate your possible starting date in your application.
Interested? We look forward to receiving your application.
Your contact person
Frau Lisa Laureti
Kontakt
NMI Naturwissenschaftliches und Medizinisches Institut an der Universität Tübingen
Markwiesenstraße 55
72770 Reutlingen
+49 7121 51530111