Student Projects
Combining Melt electrowritten tubular scaffolds with gels towards a vascular graft
In this project we would like to further explore if we can use our established Melt electrowritten tubular scaffolds and combine them with gels toward the application for vascular grafts. Melt electrowritten scaffolds allow us to finely control the wall geometry, which leads to controlled mechanical properties as well as porosity. However there are some limitations with this technology. This is where the addition of gels in the scaffold wall could benefit with porosity control, leackage as well as possible cell growth benefits. Therefore we would like to investigate which gel would be viable for the application of a vascular graft based on mechanical and biological needs. We would find possible solutions to combine MEW scaffolds with gels and practically try different methods. Once a protocol(s) are established we would perform quantitative and mechanical characterisation and compare it to MEW only scaffolds as well as native tissues.
Keywords
Melt electrowriting, Electrospinning, vascular grafts, scaffold production, mechanical tests, additive manufacturing, gels, hydrogels
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Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-01-13 , Earliest start: 2025-01-12 , Latest end: 2025-10-31
Organization Tissue Mechanobiology
Hosts Pizorn Jaka
Topics Engineering and Technology
Master thesis project - Biomechanical relationships between spinal loads and kinematic parameters in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis during walking
Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal, resulting in compression of the nerve roots or cauda equina. Patients with LSS often exhibit altered spinal kinematics and compensatory movement patterns, which can increase paraspinal muscle activity and segmental loads. This study aims to estimate the spinal loads in LSS patients using an advanced full-body musculoskeletal model within the AnyBody Modeling System, incorporating patient-specific motion-capture data. Gaining a deeper understanding of the differences in spinal kinematics between LSS patients and healthy individuals, and their effects on spinal loading, could inform more effective treatment and rehabilitation strategies.
Keywords
Spine biomechanics, musculoskeletal multi-body modeling, inverse dynamics simulation, motion capture, computational study, gait
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-01-10 , Earliest start: 2024-12-01 , Latest end: 2025-06-30
Organization Musculoskeletal Biomechanics
Hosts Caimi Alice
Topics Engineering and Technology
Characterising mechanical properties of tubular scaffolds for artificial blood vessels manufactured by melt electrowriting
While we have performed some basic mechanical tests to characterize Melt electrowritten tubular scaffolds, we would like to add other mechanical tests, based on ASTM standards, that would further allow us to have a better insight into mechanical properties of MEW scaffolds as well as to compare them to other vascular grafts as well as native tissues. Therefore we are searching for a motivated student who can see themself performing practical work producing tubular scaffolds as well as implementing mechanical tests.
Keywords
Melt electrowriting, Electrospinning, vascular grafts, scaffold production, mechanical tests, additive manufacturing
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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-01-10 , Earliest start: 2025-01-12 , Latest end: 2025-08-31
Organization Tissue Mechanobiology
Hosts Pizorn Jaka
Topics Engineering and Technology
Pre-clinical mechanical evaluation of a novel spinal implant
Background: Lower back pain is one of the most prevalent health issues in Switzerland, with severe socio-economic consequences and a leading cause of reduced work performance. Approximately 20% of spinal fusion surgeries performed using off-the-shelf implants result in the surgical outcome being compromised post-operatively, often requiring one or more revision surgeries to address the associated pain. The Laboratory of Orthopedic Technology has recently developed a novel spinal implant using topology optimization, which is currently undergoing a feasibility study for clinical applications. We are seeking a master’s student who is passionate about medical devices and mechanical design and testing to join us for a semester project or master thesis. In this role, you will gain insight into the spinal surgery process, receive input from surgeons, and contribute to the mechanical design and testing of the implant. Objectives: • Perform the CT scan on animal vertebrae • Evaluate the influence of implant placement/location variability • Mechanical testing on the implant • Develop surgical tools if needed Your Profile: • Strong knowledge in mechanical design and drawing skills. • Hands-on and detail-oriented. • Experience with SolidWorks or Fusion 360, as well as Python or Matlab. Timeframe: Spring semester in 2025
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2024-11-20 , Earliest start: 2025-01-01 , Latest end: 2025-08-31
Organization Bone Pathologies and Treatment
Hosts Du Xiaoyu
Topics Medical and Health Sciences
Design customized molds for manufacturing a novel joint implant and mechanical evaluation
The Laboratory of Orthopedic Technology has recently developed a novel joint implant and is undergoing optimization of the manufacturing process. We are looking for a master's student who is passionate about medical devices and mechanical design to join us for a semester project. Objectives: • Design different molds for material casting using SolidWorks or Fusion 360. • Optimize implant design using matlab or Python. • Mechanical testing of the implant including fatigue test. Your Profile: • Strong knowledge in mechanical design and drawing skills. • Hands-on and detail-oriented. • Experience with SolidWorks or Fusion 360, as well as Python or Matlab.
Keywords
mechanical design, implant, medical device, mold casting, SolidWorks, mechanical testing
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Semester Project , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2024-09-09 , Earliest start: 2024-09-09 , Latest end: 2024-12-31
Organization Bone Pathologies and Treatment
Hosts Du Xiaoyu
Topics Engineering and Technology
Optimize Hydrogel Performance for Cartilage Replacement
The Laboratory of Orthopedic Technology at ETH Zurich is currently optimizing the manufacturing process for a novel joint implant. We are looking for a master's student who is passionate about medical devices and polymer science to join our team for a semester project or master's thesis. Project Focus: The selected candidate will work on optimizing the performance of a hydrogel material that is a key component of the cartilage replacement implant. The project will involve: • Investigating polymer synthesis and formulation techniques to enhance hydrogel performance. • Developing testing protocols to evaluate the hydrogel’s effectiveness in mimicking natural cartilage behavior.
Keywords
Hydrogel, Polymer, Chemistry, Cartilage, Joint, Medical device
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Semester Project , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2024-09-09 , Earliest start: 2024-09-10 , Latest end: 2025-03-31
Organization Bone Pathologies and Treatment
Hosts Du Xiaoyu
Topics Chemistry