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University of Bedfordshire
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
UK, LU1 3JU
To apply for a research degree, please make sure you fulfill the entry requirements and then complete the online research degree application form and upload your supporting documents.
You should have a good honours degree (2:1 or above) or masters degree or equivalent in the relevant subject area.
International applicants should be aware of our research degree English language requirements
Development of sensor systems for rapid assessment of post-thaw survival of cryopreserved cells
Degree - MRes, MPhil, PhD
The development and testing of protocols for cryopreservation of cells and tissues requires an assessment of cell viability post-thaw. Currently there are two approaches to this (i) vital staining for membrane integrity and cytoplasmic enzyme activity, and (ii) growth and/or development of the cell/tissue sample. Whilst the first approach is quick and simple to undertake, it provides limited information on viability and is invariably destructive. Growth and development are ‘gold standard’ tests but they can take many days to complete.
The proposed PhD programme will explore alternative approaches to the interrogation of cells, with the aim of assessing the metabolic status of the cells immediately post-thaw and at different time intervals in recovery media. The programme will involve evaluation of both optical and electrochemical transducer systems to monitor cellular physiology and biochemistry using probe/sensor technology. Ideally a non-destructive procedure is sought, that allows a ‘time line’ comparison of cell/tissue recovery following cryopreservation to be undertaken. A programme of ‘back-to-back’ testing of new versus current standard methodologies will be required, and the scope for refining existing cryo-protocols explored.
Candidates should have a sound background in the biological or chemical sciences and be able to demonstrate evidence of good practical skills in laboratory practical and the use of a range of instrumentation.
For more details please contact Professor David Rawson: david.rawson AT beds.ac.uk
