Multiphase modeling of vascularized tissues

Topic Description

This PhD position is part of the research project ANR MATISSe (MAthematical TISSues, Jan. 2024 - Dec. 2027) led by the Institute of Mechanics and Engineering of Bordeaux (I2M, UMR 5295) in collaboration with the Photonics, Numerical and Nanosciences Laboratory (LP2N, UMR 5298) and TBM Core (UAR CNRS 3427 / INSERM US 005).

In the context of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, organoids, which are simplified miniature organs (~100 µm), can be regarded as elementary building blocks for the fabrication of larger-scale tissues (~cm). The primary current challenge in designing artificial tissues on a macroscopic scale is to incorporate a perfusable vascular network that can supply the entire tissue to prevent cell necrosis.

Multiphase modeling of vascularized tissues

Figure 1 – Workplan of the resarch project

Drawing on LP2N's expertise in custom organoid production using a patented microfluidic technique, and TBM Core's expertise in artificial blood vessel production, the approach pursued in MATISSE involves assembling tissues through the self-organization of these elementary blocks under conditions that allow vascular connection (or anastomosis). Unlike the majority of vascularized tissue fabrication techniques that rely on empirical rules, the methodology implemented in MATISSE combines the experimental approach of LP2N-TBM Core with in silico modeling conducted by I2M. This will enable the optimization of processes across different stages of final tissue production.

The overarching goal of MATISSE is therefore to provide a computer-assisted methodology for optimized, multi-scale design of a new generation of organoid-based artificial vascularized tissues.

Objective of the PhD thesis and Role of the PhD candidate

In this general context, the objectives of the thesis addressed in this offer are linked to the development of mathematical models that will serve as a foundation for engineering the experimental process.

The mathematical modeling of tissue growth and structuring will be developed within the framework of Thermodynamically Constrained Averaging Theory, a modern theory for multiphase porous systems that has already been successfully applied to I2M in the field of physical oncology. The vascularized tissue will be modeled as a deformable, reactive, and multiphase porous medium with two porous compartments: the first, called the extravascular compartment, is saturated by cell populations and interstitial fluid (a mixture of water and nutrient species), the second compartment, known as the vascular porosity, represents the volume occupied by vessels where oxygenated medium circulates. The extracellular matrix constitutes the solid scaffold of the multiphase medium.

Required skills of the candidate

The doctoral candidate will be immersed in an inherently multidisciplinary project at the intersection of physics, biology, and computational mechanics. He/she should be curious, open-minded, and capable of original initiatives. He/she should possess a strong background in continuum mechanics (both solid and fluid) and an inclination for the development and implementation (programming) of mathematical models on open-source finite element platforms such as Cast3M and Fenics.

Mise à jour le 05/12/2023

Informations

Please send CV, cover letter and letter(s) of recommendation with the reference “PhD in Multiphase modeling of vascularized tissues” to:

Job profil

Contact

Giuseppe SCIUME
I2M

Contacter par courriel

Mejdi Azaiez
I2M