Project Description
My name is Mariana and I have a Master’s in Biomedical Materials and Devices from Universidade de Aveiro. I specialised in smart biocomposites for tissue engineering. My passion for interdisciplinary research led me to BIOMEND, where I am working with Fibrothelium GmbH, Uniklinik Köln, and BioTex (RWTH Aachen University) to develop bioresorbable microsurgical devices for vascular anastomosis without the use of sutures. My research focuses on modifying biopolymers for 3D printing and integrating them with magnesium-based components to create innovative vascular devices. The aim is to develop a coupler device that enables precise and reliable sutureless vascular connections, improving surgical outcomes and reducing procedure time.
Key objectives of this project include:
- Establishing a Design I/O matrix to define the optimal microsurgical device concept for sutureless anastomosis
- Conducting in vitro cytocompatibility testing of preferred Mg/Zn alloys and silk fibroin
- Providing key biocompatibility data
- Produce early-stage prototypes for preliminary mechanical and functional testing
- Optimize the design and perform ex-vivo (and optionally in-vivo) verification of late-stage prototypes to ensure stable interlocking (>9 N tensile strength) and burst pressure resistance (>40 mmHg)
I’m excited to be part of BIOMEND and contribute to the advancement of bioresorbable medical devices that could revolutionize vascular surgery.
Recruiting partner
Fibrothelium GmbH, Aachen, Germany
PhD enrollment
RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
Secondment host
Uniklinik Aachen, Institut für Versuchstierkunde sowie Zentrallaboratorium für Versuchstiere, Aachen, Germany
Lead Supervisors
Dr. Ing. Alexander Kopp (Fibrothelium)
Dr. Nadja Kröger (Aachen)
