Projects 2021-22
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ASTON
Porcine Eye Model for the Development of Ocular Surface Treatments and Contact/Intraocular Lenses
The eye is a vital organ for our sense of vision, but there are currently no established in-vitro models for the anterior eye (including the transparent window to the eye [the cornea], and the crystalline lens which allows us to focus at different distances when we are young). This project will optimise a mechanical holder to mount porcine eyes (a waste project of meat production), a fluid pump mechanism to circulate biological fluids which can maintain the physiology of these tissues for 7-10 days, and the mechatronics to simulate blinking and the muscle contraction that controls eye focus. The PhD student will work as part of a multidisciplinary team including mechanical and electrical engineers, clinicians and surgeons to investigate the biological effects of contact lens and surgical implantation of intraocular lenses following cataract surgery and how optimal vision can be restored. Additional projects will include accelerating the ageing of the crystalline lens, such as through growth hormones and microwaves, to simulate fibrotic changes with time.
This project is available at Aston University. Application deadline is 4th July 2021
Funding and eligibility: Fully funded studentships are available at the UK home rate only:
- UK Home studentship – “UK nationals will have their PhD fees fully covered. Other candidates will be considered if they can cover the difference in fees between the international and UK rate, proof of this must be included at application stage.
All applications regardless of the UK University that you wish you study at should be submitted via the University of Glasgow online system.
Theme:
Translation and Manufacturing
Primary supervisor:
Stakeholder supervisor: