Topic details

Topic	3D printing of poly(glycerol sebacate) for tissue engineering applications
Supervisor	Dana Kubies, PhD
Consultant	MSc Miroslava Dušková, PhD
Department	Chemistry and Physics of Surfaces and Biointerfaces
Description	Poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) is a biocompatible, biodegradable polyester with tunable mechanical properties, representing a promising alternative to non-degradable biomaterials—particularly for soft tissue regeneration and other applications requiring flexible elastomeric scaffolds. This PhD project aims to address current challenges in the 3D printing of PGS, which include optimizing the composition and viscosity of printable “inks,” developing efficient cross-linking methods, whether photo-induced or enzyme-mediated, and improving the biocompatibility of highly hydrophobic PGS through 3D printing of blended inks with biopolymers such as collagen. The student will gain experience in various synthesis techniques, 3D printing methods, and material characterization procedures using modern instrumentation (GPC, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, UV/VIS and fluorescence spectroscopy, Cellink BioX 3D printer, electron and optical microscopy, rheological measurements). A background in polymer chemistry, organic chemistry, or biomaterials is an advantage but not a requirement — what matters most is a willingness to learn and explore new areas in these fields.
Universities	Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague Faculty of Science, Charles University Faculty of Chemical Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague