Modelling of artificial vessels for 2D and 3D flow analysis

Application of an optical tweezers for characterization of microfluidic model structures mimicking biological flow systems

All higher developed organisms show systems used for active and continuous transport of nutrients and gases. Cardiovascular systems consisting of arteries, veins and capillaries using blood cells for transport, wound healing and infection monitoring are common. Since the main reason for death in the Federal Republic as well as in the whole world is failure of the Heart-Lung-System, special interest in research and clinical trial is put on these. To ease research and enable reproducible experiments, model systems mimicking in vivo cardiovascular structures are desirable. By calibrating results in the model with the real organisms, one can extrapolate these models to, e.g., sick or mutated organisms without the need of actually growing or infecting them. Investigations of flow pressure, profile and forces inside the living organisms as well as the model system is done via state-of-the-art holographic, optical tweezers (HOT) and high speed video microscopy. HOT consists of strong, biocompatible lasers, which enable contactless control of transparent objects in three dimensions. This unique combination of optical tweezers, biomimetic microfluidic model systems and biological research goal puts us at the front of biophysical and biophotonic research.

This thesis aims on gaining insight into local flow properties of model systems and living organisms via HOT and video microscopy. Quantitative results in living cells in vitro and in vivo shall be obtained and existing experimental protocols will be further improved. The master thesis therefore encompasses preparation, conduction and evaluation of measurements, reading of literature, programming (Matlab, LabView) and adjustment of optical setups. Help and support by the supervisor will be granted on all related topics.

This Master thesis is organized thematically into the ongoing research of the "optical tweezers" team in the group of Nonlinear Photonics. In our team, Bachelor, Master and PhD students discuss frequently about results, problems, scientific related articles and new ideas. Students are encouraged to present their projects on national and/or international conferences. Publications are possible as well.

We are looking for committed students who are interested in biophysical applications of Photonics and want to work on current research. German and English working environment is possible. Some knowledge in biology and programming (Matlab, LabView, C++) is good, but not necessary.

Contact: If you are interested you can contact Robert Meißner who will be happy to show you our labs and present the offered thesis in the area of optical micromanipulation.