MSc thesis project proposal

On-demand DRUG DELIVERY platform with magnetocaloric biodegradable composites

Composites made of Magnetocaloric nano-particles and biodegradable elastomers are promising in the context of on-demand drug delivery. These materials have the particularity to have a Curie Temperature that can be engineered according to their elemental composition. In other words, these particles are ferromagnetic up to a certain temperature, and lose this property beyond. If an alternating magnetic field is applied, the magnetocaloric particles will heat up, but will no longer be responsive above the Curie temperature.

The project will be performed in close collaboration with Dr. Alina Rwei and Prof. Ekkes Bruck, from the Faculty of Applied Sciences at TU Delft

Assignment

The main tasks of the Master project include:

•Synthesis and characterization of magnetocaloric particles,

•Coating of these particles with drug-loaded polymer in a process similar as currently explored with gold

•Testing of biocompatibility with cells and biodegradable properties,

•Development of a setup for magnetic excitation of the particles and temperature control

•Evaluation of the drug delivery performance of the new system in comparison with the gold system.

Requirements

You are an ambitious student looking for a challenging thesis project on new magnetic materials for medical applications. You have a biomedical engineering, physics, material science, mechanical or microelectronics background and an interest materials characterization. Good communication skills in English and a pro-active attitude are expected.

Contact

dr. Clementine Boutry

Electronic Components, Technology and Materials Group

Department of Microelectronics

Last modified: 2023-12-05