Internship: chemistry & materials

Summary

Injectable, self-healing hydrogels are attracting an exponential interest. Their ability to encapsulate substances or cells, their malleability and injectability make them excellent candidates for biomedical applications in tissue engineering, cell culture, drug encapsulation and vectorization.¹ Their dynamic behavior is governed by the existence of reversible cross-links within the networks that allow the material to flow under mechanical solicitation and subsequently reform. However, these attractive properties come at the expense of tridimensional long-term stability and creep-resistance.² At middle to long timescales, these gels behave as fluids restricting their applicability as lasting, shape-defined and tough objects. In this project, a new concept based on microphase separation reinforcement of self-healing, injectable hydrogels is explored. Reversible cross-links are expected to provide the targeted hydrogels with fast responsiveness and injectability while the existence within the hydrophilic network of hydrophobic clusters will enhance their strength and stability. Combined mechanical and optical experiments will be conducted to establish a structure/properties relationship. Thus, the project will encompass organic synthesis, polymer chemistry and material characterization (rheology, optical measurements).

Keywords: organic synthesis – radical polymerization – hydrogel – rheology – microscopy

Profile of the candidate:

We are looking for a master 2 student with a background in molecular chemistry and/or polymer chemistry. Curiosity and motivation for conducting a pluridisciplinary project is required.

Please send your application (Cover Letter+ Résumé) to the Internship Supervisor Amandine Guérinot: amandine.guerinot@espci.fr