2. Research project 7

Research project 7

Research project
Active research
Project period
2025 - 2029
Project owner
Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB), Spain
Financier
EU - Horizon Europe, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions – Doctoral Networks, Grant Agreement No. 101226717
Area
Health and medicine
Science and Information Technology
Topic
Research

Short description

This project deals with - Preventing bacterial infections in hearing implants using biocompatible materials with surface modifications: a cell culture study.

Project Description

DC7 will create innovative surface coatings with nanoarchitectures on titanium to reduce skin irritation and infections in skin-penetrating BCHIs. The project involves developing porous TiO₂ layers via electrochemical techniques, such as electrodeposition and plasma electrolytic oxidation. Using 3D skin cultures, DC7 will evaluate cytotoxicity, compatibility, and the anti-bacterial efficacy of these surfaces, including co-cultures of skin cells and bacteria, aiming to enhance device biocompatibility and infection resistance.

Objectives

This PhD project aims to design and develop advanced nanoarchitectured surface coatings for bioelectronic cutaneous interfaces (BCHIs), minimizing skin irritation and infection risks. The candidate will engineer multifunctional materials using techniques such as electrodeposition and dip coating and validate their performance through biological assays using innovative 3D skin models and co-cultures with bacteria. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with international partners within the SHIELD consortium.


Research activities include:

  • Design and fabricate nanoengineered surface coatings using techniques like electrodeposition and dip coating.
  • Develop and characterize porous TiO₂ and metal oxide thin films.
  • Establish and optimize 3D in vitro skin models for biological testing.
  • Assess cytotoxicity, hemocompatibility, inflammation, and cell behavior.
  • Evaluate antibacterial performance through co-cultures of skin cells and bacteria.
  • Collaborate with international partners for cross-validation and advanced assays.

Training and mobility:

  • Research secondments at SHIELD
  • Goeteborgs Universitet (UGOT/Oticon), 2 months, studies on host cell-bacteria-biomaterial interactions + 1 week industry visit.
  • The Chancellor Masters and Scholars of The University of Cambridge (UCAM), 1 month, learning different culture models.
  • Universitá degli Studi di Torino (UNITO), 1 month, assessment of material hemocompatibility
  • Participation in specialised training workshops and international conferences.

Expected Results

 

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