Background: Three-dimensional (3D) scaffold-based cell cultures are increasingly used to mimic physiological liver tissue conditions in vitro. The mechanical properties of these liver models, including viscoelasticity and structural heterogeneity, strongly influence cellular behavior, viability, and metabolic      activity. However, conventional rheological methods are often unsuitable for such small, irregular biological samples, limiting measurement accuracy and reproducibility.

This project addresses these challenges by combining rheological characterization with optical detection techniques to enable precise analysis under small-sample conditions. The goal is to improve the understanding of the interplay between mechanical properties and biological function, thereby enhancing the reliability of in vitro tissue models and cell-based assays.

Specific tasks:

• Literature study on rheology, biomechanics, and scaffold-based 3D cell culture systems
• Integration of optical detection techniques to in situ resolve the scaffold specimens
• Application of analytical and statistical models to evaluate viscoelastic behavior
• Validation of biological assays (e.g., enzyme activity, cytotoxicity, viability, proliferation)
• Experimental testing and optimization of rheological methods
• Development of reproducible protocols for scaffold-based cell culture
• Data analysis, interpretation, and documentation of experimental results

Requirements:

• Interest or initial experience in cell culture, biological research, or biomechanics
• Basic programming skills in Matlab and/or Python
• Willingness to learn data analysis and modeling methods
• Motivation to work independently and in a structured way

Supervisors: