Dottorato/PhD in Bioingegneria e Scienze Medico ...Dottorato/PhD in Bioingegneria e Scienze Medico-Chirurgiche / Bioengineering and Medical-Surgical Sciences (in convenzione con Università

Dottorato/PhD in Bioingegneria e Scienze Medico-Chirurgiche / Bioengineering and Medical-Surgical Sciences

(in convenzione con Università degli Studi di Torino e il Politecnico di Torino) XXXIII ciclo

Elenco delle tematiche per specifiche borse di Dottorato / List

of research topics bound to PhD scholarships

1. BIOFLUID MECHANICS - (Politecnico di Torino – Borsa di Ateneo)

2. IL RICONDIZIONAMENTO E LA RIGENERAZIONE D’ORGANO NEL TRAPIANTO DI POLMONE:

SVILUPPO DI UN SISTEMA DI PURIFICAZIONE DURANTE EX-VIVO LUNG PERFUSION (EVLP)

/ ORGAN RECONDITIONING AND REGENERATION IN LUNG TRANSPLANTATION:

DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PURIFICATION STRATEGIES DURING EX-VIVO LUNG PERFUSION

(EVLP) - (Università di Torino - borsa Compagnia di San Paolo)

3. BIOMECHANICAL DESIGN, MINIMALLY INVASIVE & ROBOTIC SURGERY IN TRAUMA AND

ORTHOPAEDICS - (Politecnico di Torino con fondi di Centro Interdipartimentale

PolitoBIOMed Lab)

4. SCREENING ENDOSCOPICO E RIMOZIONE ONCOLOGICA APPROPRIATA DI LESIONI

PRECOCI DEL COLON-RETTO / ENDOSCOPIC SCREENING AND ONCOLOGIC APPROPRIATE

REMOVAL OF EARLY COLORECTAL LESIONS - (Università di Torino - borsa Compagnia di

San Paolo)

5. INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES IN NEURO-ENGINEERING AND NEURAL COMPUTATION -

(Politecnico di Torino – borsa Compagnia di San Paolo)

Rettifica e integrazione tematiche del 19/06/2017

6. INNOVATIVE MULTI-MODALITY AND MULTI-DIMENSIONAL DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS -

(Politecnico di Torino)

7. TECNOLOGIE 3D IN PROTESI ORALE E DENTALE / 3D TECHNOLOGIES IN ORAL AND

DENTAL PROSTHESES - (Università di Torino - borsa di Ateneo)

8. TECNICHE DI RICOSTRUZIONE TOTALE DI PENE / TOTAL PENILE RECONSTRUCTION

TECHNIQUES - (Università di Torino – borsa di Ateneo, anziché Compagnia di San Paolo,

con cofinanziamento del Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche)

9. CARDIOVASCULAR ENGINEERING - (Politecnico di Torino con fondi di Centro

Interdipartimentale PolitoBIOMed Lab)

10. POLYMERIC BIOMATERIALS FOR MICRO- AND NANO-BIOTECHNOLOGIES –

(Politecnico di Torino)

11. NEW MATERIALS AND NANOTECHNOLOGIES FOR BIO-APPLICATIONS - (Politecnico di

Torino con fondi di Centro Interdipartimentale PolitoBIOMed Lab)

12. IN VITRO EXPERIMENTAL MODELS FOR BIOMATERIALS-MEDIATED DRUG DELIVERY

TO THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM -(Politecnico di Torino – borsa Compagnia di San

Paolo - Joint research projects with top universities)

13. 3D COLLAGEN BASED BIOMIMETIC SCAFFOLDS - (Politecnico di Torino)

14. NEW DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND TECHNIQUES -

(Politecnico di Torino con fondi di Centro Interdipartimentale PolitoBIOMed Lab)

15. TECHNIQUES FOR ADAPTIVE MEDICINE, AGEING AND FRAGILITY - (Politecnico di Torino

con fondi di Centro Interdipartimentale PolitoBIOMed Lab)

16. FUNCTIONALIZATION OF IMPLANTABLE BIOMATERIALS WITH BIOMOLECULES OF PLANT

ORIGIN: FROM SURFACE ENGINEERING TO BIOLOGICAL RESPONSE - (Politecnico di Torino)

17. DESIGN OF MEDICAL DEVICES AND MULTIFUNCTIONAL BIOMATERIALS FOR TAILORED

TISSUE ENGINEERING - (Politecnico di Torino – borsa Compagnia di San Paolo)

18. SVILUPPO DI UNA TECNICA DI IMAGING INTRAOPERATORIA PER LA VISUALIZZAZIONEDI NODULI POLMONARI NELLE PROCEDURE CHIRURGICHE MINI-INVASIVE VIDEO-ASSISTITE E ROBOT-ASSISTITE / DEVELOPMENT OF INTRAOPERATIVE IMAGING SYSTEM FOR DETECTION OF MALIGNANT LUNG NODULES DURING VIDEO-ASSISTED AND ROBOTIC ASSISTED THORACIC SURGERY - (Università degli Studi di Torino - borsa Compagnia San Paolo cofinanziata dal Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche)

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Dottorato/PhD in Bioengineering and Medical-Surgical Sciences

(in convenzione con Università degli Studi di Torino e il Politecnico di Torino) ciclo XXXIII

Titolo del progetto di Ricerca/Research Title:

BIOFLUID MECHANICS

FINANZIATO DA / FUNDED BY: Politecnico di Torino – Borsa di Ateneo SUPERVISOR: Prof. Umberto Morbiducci (email: [email protected]) Ing. Diego Gallo (email: [email protected]) CONTATTO / CONTACT: http://www.dimeas.polito.it/la_ricerca/gruppi/biomeccanica_dei_solidi_e_dei_fluidi CONTESTO DELL’ATTIVITÀ DI RICERCA / CONTEXT OF THE RESEARCH ACTIVITY: The research of novel in-silico solutions, coupled to a better understanding of physiological systems, could lead to the development of new and more effective in silico models mimicking the cardiovascular system, thus allowing (1) for a lowering in the need for animal experiments, (2) for lighter human trials and experiments, (3) for a deeper comprehension of biophysical phenomena involved in cardiovascular disease, and (4) for clinical decision support. Similarly, a deeper knowledge of complex systems and of their biological variability could improve the diagnostic processes, the drug/therapies developments, the design of implantable and blood recirculating devices, which are all key points for more sustainable health systems in the international research programs. OBIETTIVI/OBJECTIVES: The aims of the research activity within the Doctoral program are manifold: (1) integration of cardiovascular imaging and in silico hemodynamics; (2) identification of hemodynamic patterns involved in the early onset and progression of cardiovascular disease. The two activities are interlaced. The integration of medical imaging and computational modeling is a powerful approach to elucidate the role of hemodynamic forces/structures in the development, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This program can be further broken down along two lines: (i) image-based hemodynamics modeling, which exploits medical imaging data to construct patient-specific computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models; (ii) virtual imaging, which uses computational models to simulate the impact of complex anatomy, flow and motion on medical imagessupporting clinical decision making.

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CAPACITÀ E COMPETENZE RICHIESTE PER LO SVOLGIMENTO DELL’ATTIVITÀ DI RICERCA/SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ACTIVITY: Cardiovascular fluid mechanics; Solid mechanics; Transport phenomena; Image processing; Computational fluid dynamics; Computer programming

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IL RICONDIZIONAMENTO E LA RIGENERAZIONE D’ORGANO NEL TRAPIANTO DI

POLMONE: SVILUPPO DI UN SISTEMA DI PURIFICAZIONE DURANTE EX-VIVO LUNG

PERFUSION (EVLP).

ORGAN RECONDITIONING AND REGENERATION IN LUNG TRANSPLANTATION:

DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PURIFICATION STRATEGIES DURING EX-VIVO LUNG PERFUSION

(EVLP)

Finanziato da / Funded by: Università di Torino - borsa Compagnia di San Paolo

Supervisor: Prof. Mauro Rinaldi ([email protected]), Prof. Massimo Boffini (massimo.boffini @unito.it), Dott. Davide Ricci ([email protected])

Contatto / Contact: Università di Torino, Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche / University of Torino, Department of Surgical Sciences

Contesto dell’attività di ricerca / Context of the research activity: Ricondizionamento/rigenerazione di graft polmonari a scopo trapiantologico mediante lo sviluppo di nuove metodiche di ex-vivo lung perfusion / Reconditioning / Regeneration of lung grafts with novel strategies of ex-vivo lung perfusion

Obiettivi/Objectives:

1. Sviluppo di sistemi integrati di ex-vivo lung perfusion per la manipolazione del graft durante la perfusione.

2. Sviluppo di metodiche di purificazione d’organo per la rimozione di citochine durante ex-vivo lung perfusion nel modello animale (maiale) e nell’uomo.

3. Dimostrazione su modello animale della fattibilità, dell’efficacia e della sicurezza delle strategie di manipolazione del graft nel setting della donazione a cuore fermo.

4. Valutazione clinica dell’efficacia delle strategie di purificazione durante ex-vivo lung perfusion

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1. Development of integrated systems for organ manipulation during ex-vivo lung perfusion 2. Development of purification strategies of grafts treated with ex-vivo lung perfusion in animal

and human settings. 3. Demonstration of feasibility, effectiveness and safety of graft manipulation in the setting of

donation after cardiac death in an animal model. 4. Clinical evaluation of effectiveness of purification strategies during ex-vivo lung perfusion.

Capacità e competenze richieste per lo svolgimento dell’attività di ricerca/Skills and competencies for the development of the activity: Progettazione, sviluppo e valutazione di dispositivi medici di perfusione d’organo che utilizzino modelli animali e studi umani.

Design, development and evaluation of medical devices of lung perfusion in animal models and clinical human studies.

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DOTTORATO/PhD Bioengineering and Medical-Surgical Sciences



BIOMECHANICAL DESIGN, MINIMALLY INVASIVE & ROBOTIC

SURGERY IN TRAUMA AND ORTHOPAEDICS

FINANZIATO DA / FUNDED BY: Politecnico di Torino con fondi di Centro Interdipartimentale

PolitoBIOMed Lab SUPERVISOR: Prof. Alberto Audenino (email: [email protected]) Prof. Carlo Ferraresi (email: [email protected]) Prof. Marco Masoero (email: [email protected])

CONTATTO / CONTACT: http://www.dimeas.polito.it/la_ricerca/gruppi/biomeccanica_dei_solidi_e_dei_fluidi CONTESTO DELL’ATTIVITÀ DI RICERCA / CONTEXT OF THE RESEARCH ACTIVITY: The National Research Program (PNR) 2015-2020 indicates 12 strategic fields of research, one of which is called “Health”, in line with one of the mail tracks of the H2020 program. In the Health track, the PNR strategically promotes also researches devoted to the improvement of nutrition and quality of life. In this national and international scenario, the activities of the PolitoBIOMed Lab play a central role in providing: i) new technologies for health and life science; ii) expected economic and sustainable impact on health systems; iii) development of new approaches for a personalized medicine; iv) focus on elderly, fragile subjects, and societal challenges; v) research focused on widespread pathologies; vi) expected technological transfer and vii) increase in fund-raising opportunities. Moreover, the research activities of the PolitoBIOMed Lab will respond to specific objectives under Part II, “Industrial Leadership” of Horizon 2020, Part III “Societal Challenges” (Health, demographic change and wellbeing) and more in general to Part I Excellent Science (frontier research; future and emerging technologies). As an example, the research of novel in-silico solutions, coupled to a better understanding of physiological systems, could lead to the development of new and more effective models mimicking human systems, thus allowing for a lowering in the need for animal experiments and for lighter human trials and experiments. Similarly, a deeper knowledge of complex systems and of their biological variability could improve the diagnostic processes and the drug/therapies developments, which are both key points for more sustainable health systems in the international research programs.

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OBIETTIVI/OBJECTIVES: The aims of the research activity within the Doctoral program are manifold. Prostheses, Implants, Systems for Fracture Synthesis and Computer Aided Surgery: Arthroprostheses; Dental implants, prostheses and orthodontic devices, design in silico and experimental validation. Soft and hard biological tissues mechanics. In detail, the development of biodegradable magnesium alloys as ‘‘smart’’ implants in cardiovascular and orthopedic applications is one of the topics of interest. The extensive applications of Mg-based alloys are still inhibited mainly by their high degradation rates and consequent loss in mechanical integrity. The aim of the Doctoral program is the design new magnesium-based implants for the treatment of ankle fractures implants to serve as biocompatible, osteoconductive, degradable system for load-bearing applications. Computer Aided and minimally invasive surgery: Robotic surgery in trauma and orthopaedics; Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and laparoscopic surgery and devices; Rehabilitation Orthoses. CAPACITÀ E COMPETENZE RICHIESTE PER LO SVOLGIMENTO DELL’ATTIVITÀ DI RICERCA/SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ACTIVITY: Solid mechanics; Soft tissue mechanics; Biorobotics; Computational mechanics; Finite Element Analysis, Multibody Analysis, expertise in Experimental Analysis of Movements.

DOTTORATO/PhD in Bioengineering and Medical-Surgical Sciences



SCREENING ENDOSCOPICO E RIMOZIONE ONCOLOGICA APPROPRIATA DI LESIONI

PRECOCI DEL COLON-RETTO

ENDOSCOPIC SCREENING AND ONCOLOGIC APPROPRIATE REMOVAL OF EARLY

COLORECTAL LESIONS

FINANZIATO DA / FUNDED BY: Università di Torino - borsa Compagnia di San Paolo

SUPERVISOR: Prof. Alberto Arezzo ([email protected])

CONTATTO / CONTACT: Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche / Department of Surgical Sciences

CONTESTO DELL’ATTIVITÀ DI RICERCA / CONTEXT OF THE RESEARCH ACTIVITY:

Diagnosi e trattamento delle lesioni early del tratto digestivo inferiore / Diagnosis and treatment of

early lesions of the lower digestive tract

OBIETTIVI/OBJECTIVES: 1. migliorare la progettazione di una capsula endoscopica già disegnata e testata per la colonoscopia, da

inserire nell'ano, con una telecamera frontale, in grado di avanzare sotto controllo magnetico robotico e verificare la fattibilità di una colonscopia in ambiente animale e successivamente in un ambiente clinico.

2. migliorare le potenziali caratteristiche terapeutiche della capsula colonscopica, verificando la capacità di eseguire biopsie e polipectomie attraverso il canale di lavoro.

3. progettare e testare in un modello ex-vivo, un robot miniaturizzato a forma di cappuccio e posizionato alla punta di un endoscopio standard, da utilizzare per rimozione chirurgica di qualsiasi lesione sessile del colon-retto > 2 cm di diametro.

1. to improve the design of an already prototyped and tested softly tethered endoscopic capsule for

colonoscopy, to be inserted through the anus, with a frontal camera, capable of robotic magnetic control and steering, and to verify the feasibility of a colonoscopy in an animal setting and further in a clinical environment.

2. to improve the potential therapeutic characteristics of the softly tethered colonoscopic capsule, by verifying the capability to perform biopsies and snare polypectomies through the working channel.

3. to design and test in an ex-vivo model, a miniaturized robot shaped as a hood and positioned at the tip of a standard endoscope or any other flexible shaft, to be used for surgical removal of any lesion >2 cm in diameter.

CAPACITÀ E COMPETENZE RICHIESTE PER LO SVOLGIMENTO DELL’ATTIVITÀ DI RICERCA/SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ACTIVITY: Progettazione, sviluppo e valutazione di dispositivi medici che utilizzano modelli animali e studi umani pre-clinici, incluse procedure endochirurgiche, chirurgia a catetere, chirurgia minimamente invasiva, procedure microchirurgiche e robotica.

Design, development and evaluation of medical devices using animal models and pre-clinical human studies, including endo-surgical procedures, catheter-based surgery, minimally invasive surgery, microsurgical procedures, and robotics.

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INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES IN NEURO-ENGINEERING AND

NEURAL COMPUTATION

FUNDED BY: Politecnico di Torino – borsa Compagnia di San Paolo SUPERVISOR: Prof. Marco Knaflitz ([email protected]) Prof. Filippo Molinari ([email protected])

CONTACT: Dept. Electronics and Telecommunications, Politecnico di Torino (http://www.det.polito.it) / Research group website: http://socrate.polito.it/biolab/

CONTEXT OF THE RESEARCH ACTIVITY: In the last ten years, the research activity in the field of neuro-engineering has witnessed a constant increase. Thanks to considerable improvements in interfacing electronic equipment to physiological systems, neuro-engineering and neuro-computational methods have been developed to process and interpret large sets of in-vivo recorded data. Examples of recent key applications in this field are bionics and controlled prosthesis, second-generation of human-machine-interfaces, neural computation, and analysis of neural systems non-linearity. Overall, researchers dedicated their efforts to decoding and imitating the capabilities of human brain in information processing and commands generation. Neuro-engineering methods are required both in diagnosis and therapy. For instance, specific techniques are needed for an accurate assessment of the complex relationships between the central and the peripheral nervous system, which is the basis for a proper understanding of several neurological and neuromuscular pathologies. Regarding therapy, an increasing interest is devoted to innovative neuro-rehabilitation methods using virtual reality and to strategies for central and peripheral neural stimulation. The research activity of the candidate will, therefore, be focused to the development of innovative methods in neuro-engineering and neural computation. OBJECTIVES: The candidate will be involved in several projects in the field of neuro-engineering, and particularly, in the assessment of the postural, motor, and neuro-functional systems. Specific objectives of the research will be:

Development of innovative strategies for the analysis of muscle synergies. Development of a generalized framework for the processing of biomedical signals, with specific

focus on multi-dimensional and non-stationary signals. Development of functional acquisition protocols for neurophysiological studies.

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SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ACTIVITY: The successful candidate has a strong background in biomedical signal processing and interpretation, and a documented expertise in the analysis of physiological data. The research activities include the acquisition of biosignals (EMG, ECG, and possibly NIRS), hence the candidate should have a good knowledge of the acquisition instrumentation and skills in the management of an experimental acquisition protocol.

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INNOVATIVE MULTI-MODALITY AND MULTI-DIMENSIONAL DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS

FUNDED BY: Politecnico di Torino SUPERVISOR: Prof. Filippo Molinari ([email protected])

Prof. Marco Knaflitz ([email protected])

CONTACT: Dept. Electronics and Telecommunications, Politecnico di Torino (http://www.det.polito.it) / Research group website: http://socrate.polito.it/biolab/

CONTEXT OF THE RESEARCH ACTIVITY: The most recent trends in data-based diagnostic tools include three principal keywords that are: big-data, multi-modality, and radiomics. The fil rouge of the keywords is the ability of processing larger and more heterogeneous data sets, in order to solve more and more complex diagnostic problems. Big-data applications considered to be pervasive technologies in medicine because it is now possible to acquire very big data amounts coming from different systems and sensors. Multi-modality analysis are becoming a must in several diagnostic field, such as in image-based diagnosis, where morphological examinations are now often coupled to functional ones. Radiomics is referred as the idea of extracting a huge number of features from data (usually from images). If combined together, these three keywords delineate a process of conversion of digital medical images into mineable high-dimensional data. Such process is motivated by the concept that biomedical images contain information that reflects underlying pathophysiology and that these relationships can be revealed via quantitative image analyses. Unlike the previous systems known as computer-aided-diagnosis (CAD), which were directed toward delivering a single answer (ie, presence of a lesion or cancer), the new trend is explicitly a process designed to extract a large number of quantitative features from digital images, place these data in shared databases, and subsequently mine the data for hypothesis generation, testing, or both. Therefore, the context of research is a multi-disciplinary field in which new diagnostic systems are developed, tested, and coupled to other (and complementary) systems in order to widen the knowledge about pathologies in single subjects or in groups of patients.

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OBJECTIVES: The candidate will be required to:

Develop innovative low-cost, portable, and mini-invasive diagnostic instrumentation. Ultrasounds and optics will be the key fields.

Develop cutting-edge solutions in multi-modality and multi-dimensional data processing. Strategize and prototype solutions in the field of medical imaging.

The ongoing projects that candidate will join are the following (not necessarily limited to this list): Numerical assessment of cancer tissues and peri-lesional tumor micro-environment. Automated tissue abnormalities detection. Integrated “-omics” systems development.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ACTIVITY: The successful candidate has a strong background in medical imaging systems, and a documented expertise in the analysis of physiological data. The candidate should have a documented background in the management of real clinical data and should have followed studies involving pathological subjects compared to controls. During this studies, the candidate should have developed innovative methods or indexes for the detection of possible abnormalities. Signals and image processing skills are required.

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TECNOLOGIE 3D IN PROTESI ORALE E DENTALE 3D TECHNOLOGIES IN ORAL AND DENTAL PROSTHESES

FINANZIATO DA / FUNDED BY: Università di Torino - borsa di Ateneo SUPERVISOR: Prof. Stefano Carossa ([email protected]) CONTATTO / CONTACT: Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche / Department of Surgical Sciences


Diagnosi e trattamento delle edentulie parziali e totali/ Diagnosis and treatment of partial tooth loss and edentulism

OBIETTIVI/OBJECTIVES: 1. migliorare il flusso di lavoro tra protesista e laboratorio odonototecnico per la gestione del carico

immediato in implantologia dentale. 2. migliorare la precisione e la rapidità di costruzione del frame work negli interventi a carico immediato

full-arch ricorrendo solo a tecnologie digitali. 3. allestire riabilitazioni a carico immediato in zone estetiche mediante tecnologia digitale. 1. to improve the work-flow between prosthodontist and dental laboratory in order to manage the

immediate load in dental implantology. 2. to improve the precision and velocity of preparation of the framework during the immediate load

contemplating a full-arch rehabilitation using digital technologies exclusively. 3. to prepare immediate loaded rehabilitations in esthetic areas recurring only to digital technology.

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CAPACITÀ E COMPETENZE RICHIESTE PER LO SVOLGIMENTO DELL’ATTIVITÀ DI RICERCA/SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ACTIVITY:

Progettazione, sviluppo e valutazione di dispositivi medici a livello pre-clinico e clinico, incluse procedure protesiche orali avanzate.

Design, development and evaluation of medical devices at a pre-clinical and clinical level, including advanced oral prosthetic procedures.

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TECNICHE DI RICOSTRUZIONE TOTALE DI PENE

TOTAL PENILE RECONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES

Finanziato da / Funded by: Università di Torino – borsa di Ateneo, anziché Compagnia di San Paolo, cofinanziata dal Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche

Supervisor: Prof. Paolo Gontero ( [email protected])

Contatto / Contact: Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche / Department of Surgical Sciences

CONTESTO DELL’ATTIVITÀ DI RICERCA / CONTEXT OF THE RESEARCH ACTIVITY: gestione chirurgica della disforia di genere female to male, delle malformazioni peniene gravi, dell’amputazione oncologica o postraumatica del pene / surgical management of female to male gender dysphoria, penile inadequacy for congenital malformations, oncologic or post-traumatic phallic amputation

OBIETTIVI/OBJECTIVES:

1. Studiare le più aggiornate tecniche chirurgiche di ricostruzione totale del fallo, con particolareinteresse alle ricostruzioni con lembi microchirurgici liberi settati e/o perforanti (lembo cinese,antero-lateral thigh flap)

2. Valutare la curva di apprendimento, gli outcome chirurgici e funzionali e le eventualicomplicanze intra/postoperatorie delle tecniche di ricostruzione totale di pene

3. Avviare studi preclinici su tessuti penieni ex-vivo, al fine di valutare la fattibilità del trapiantomicrochirurgico di pene, con particolare interesse alla gestione immunologica del graft

4. Progettare in un modello ex-vivo il trapianto di pene

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1. To study the most up-to-date surgical techniques for total phallic reconstruction, focusing on microsurgical reconstruction based on both septal or perforator free-flaps (radial artery forearm free flap, antero-lateral thigh flap)

2. To evaluate the surgical learning curve, the surgical and functional outcomes and the intra/postoperative complications of total phallic reconstructions techniques

3. To develop preclinical models on ex-vivo penile tissue, aiming to explore the feasibility of the penile transplant, mainly focusing on the immunological management of the graft

4. To plan in an ex-vivo model the penile transplant

CAPACITÀ E COMPETENZE RICHIESTE PER LO SVOLGIMENTO DELL’ATTIVITÀ DI RICERCA/SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ACTIVITY:

Progettazione, sviluppo e valutazione di dispositivi medici che utilizzano modelli animali e studi umani pre-clinici, incluse procedure endochirurgiche, chirurgia a catetere, chirurgia minimamente invasiva, procedure microchirurgiche e robotica.

Design, development and evaluation of medical devices using animal models and pre-clinical human studies, including endo-surgical procedures, catheter-based surgery, minimally invasive surgery, microsurgical procedures, and robotics.

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DOTTORATO/PhD in Bioengineering an Medical-Surgical Sciences



CARDIOVASCULAR ENGINEERING

FINANZIATO DA / FUNDED BY: Politecnico di Torino con fondi di Centro Interdipartimentale PolitoBIOMed Lab

SUPERVISOR: Prof. Umberto Morbiducci (email: [email protected]) Prof. Luca Ridolfi (email: [email protected]) Prof. Valter Giaretto (email: [email protected])

CONTATTO / CONTACT: http://www.dimeas.polito.it/la_ricerca/gruppi/biomeccanica_dei_solidi_e_dei_fluidi CONTESTO DELL’ATTIVITÀ DI RICERCA / CONTEXT OF THE RESEARCH ACTIVITY: The National Research Program (PNR) 2015-2020 indicates 12 strategic fields of research, one of which is called “Health”, in line with one of the mail tracks of the H2020 program. In the Health track, the PNR strategically promotes also researches devoted to the improvement of nutrition and quality of life. In this national and international scenario, the activities of the PolitoBIOMed Lab play a central role in providing: i) new technologies for health and life science; ii) expected economic and sustainable impact on health systems; iii) development of new approaches for a personalized medicine; iv) focus on elderly, fragile subjects, and societal challenges; v) research focused on widespread pathologies; vi) expected technological transfer and vii) increase in fund-raising opportunities. Moreover, the research activities of the PolitoBIOMed Lab will respond to specific objectives under Part II, “Industrial Leadership” of Horizon 2020, Part III “Societal Challenges” (Health, demographic change and wellbeing) and more in general to Part I Excellent Science (frontier research; future and emerging technologies). As an example, the research of novel in-silico solutions, coupled to a better understanding of physiological systems, could lead to the development of new and more effective models mimicking human systems, thus allowing for a lowering in the need for animal experiments and for lighter human trials and experiments. Similarly, a deeper knowledge of complex systems and of their biological variability could improve the diagnostic processes and the drug/therapies developments, which are both key points for more sustainable health systems in the international research programs.

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OBIETTIVI/OBJECTIVES: The aims of the research activity within the Doctoral program are manifold: (1) integration of cardiovascular imaging and in silico hemodynamics; (2) design and characterization of blood recirculating devices and of devices for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The two activities are interlaced. The integration of medical imaging and computational modeling is a powerful approach to elucidate the role of hemodynamic forces/structures in the development, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This program can be further broken down along three lines: (i) image-based hemodynamics modeling, which exploits medical imaging data to construct patient-specific computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models; (ii) virtual imaging, which uses computational models to simulate the impact of complex anatomy, flow and motion on medical images; (iii) realistic emulator for endovascular training and decision making. The design and characterization of innovative devices for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and for cardiac assistance will advance cardiovascular device technology allowing clinicians to better treat their patients, saving lives and promoting continuous improvements in the quality of life for billions of people around the globe. The focus is in designing cardiovascular smart devices that deliver cheaper, faster and more efficient care. CAPACITÀ E COMPETENZE RICHIESTE PER LO SVOLGIMENTO DELL’ATTIVITÀ DI RICERCA/SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ACTIVITY: Cardiovascular fluid mechanics; Solid mechanics; Thermodynamics; Transport phenomena; Image processing; Computational fluid dynamics; Computer programming

PhD in Bioengineering and Medical-Surgical sciences

Research Title: POLYMERIC BIOMATERIALS FOR MICRO- AND NANO-

BIOTECHNOLOGIES

Funded by Politecnico di Torino

Supervisors Gianluca Ciardelli, [email protected] (POLITO)

Contact http://www.dimeas.polito.it/la_ricerca/gruppi/materiali_per_le_bionanotecnologie_e_laboratorio_biomedico

Context of the research activity

The Ph.D program is focused on the design of new polymeric materials (of natural and synthetic origin, or a combination thereof) obtained by bulk functionalization (blending) and surface functionalisation (surface grafting or layer-by-layer technique). These materials will be exploited as components for medical devices, scaffolds or nanoparticles incorporating drugs to be applied in regenerative medicine, cancer treatment, advanced therapies.

Objectives

Typical objectives of the research activities will be (i) Synthetic block copolymers by chemical synthesis (e.g.

polyurethanes) for biomedical applications. (ii) Polymer nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulating drugs for

targeted release. (iii) Bulk/Surface modification of synthetic polymers with

biochemical cues. (iv) Scaffolds obtained by conventional (phase inversion,

electrospinning) and non-conventional approaches (rapid prototyping).

Skills and competencies for the development of the activity

We are looking for talented candidates, preferably with a Master Degree in Biomedical Engineering and with previous expertise in the field of biomaterials, nanotechnology and tissue engineering. In detail, the candidate should have the following skills:

‐ Previous experience in polymer synthesis and/or processing and physicochemical characterization of polymeric materials

‐ Knowledge on methods for surface and bulk functionalization of polymers with biomimetic molecules

‐ Knowledge of methods for nanoparticle preparation and the techniques for their physicochemical characterization

One additional desired skill is the capability to use softwares for preparation of scaffolds by rapid prototyping techniques.

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PhD in Bioengineering and Medical-Surgical Sciences

Research Title:

NEW MATERIALS AND NANOTECHNOLOGIES FOR BIO-APPLICATIONS

Funded by Politecnico di Torino con fondi di Centro Interdipartimentale PolitoBIOMed Lab

Supervisor G. Ciardelli [email protected] C. Pirri [email protected]

Contact For info: [email protected] [email protected]


Bioengineering is a multidisciplinary research field that brings together engineering, medicine, biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics. Bioengineering aims to advance knowledge and create tangible applications in medicine and biology. In this context, the PolitoBIOMed Lab aims at establishing a unique concept of excellent research taking advantage of a ‘multidisciplinary genetic code’. In particular, nanostructured materials and nanotechnologies for biotech and biomedical applications have produced several success stories at Politecnico di Torino, as a consequence of the establishment and growth of several research groups in the field. The subjects covered have a strong international importance. The context of research activity is the understanding of fundamental interaction mechanisms between the biological world and artificial system at the nano- and molecular level. The driving concept is thus to address and overcome the existing challenges in both biotech and life science fields. Early diagnosis, personalized therapies, self-healing mechanism activations are among the main purposes to increase the quality of life in our society. In particular, it will be strategic in the next years to develop and master new technologies able to increase the technological content in the research field of both biotech and the life sciences. It is also worth to mention the strategic character of this laboratory, oriented toward the technology transfer and the co-existence of both public and private sectors. These aspects will enable to exploit new scientific results and further develop them toward an application.

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Objectives

New Materials and Nanotechnologies for Bio-applications The activities of PhD are included in the following framework: Materials and Technologies for tissue and regenerative engineering. • Goal: to shape, condition and control a cell culture hosted within a biocompatible architecture which is reconfigurable by external stimuli (e.g. pH, temperature, UV-Vis light) application. A plethora of material and processing technologies developed in the last decades have enabled rapid progress in several fields, such as electronics, micro-optics, biotechnology, micromechanics, and microfluidics. However, most of the structures fabricated nowadays are static in nature, i.e. they cannot be morphologically modified once fabricated. In an attempt to overcome this current paradigm, we aim at gaining new knowledge for a stimuli-driven (e.g. UV- Vis light, temperature, pH), reversible and dynamic 3D micro-patterning of functional polymeric materials for use in cell culture and Tissue Engineering/Regenerative Medicine (TERM). Technologies exploiting organic/inorganic interactions at the nanoscale. • Goal: to develop new nanoscaled technologies for NPs kinetic monitoring, multifunctional theranostic NPs and robust lab-on-chip point of care systems. Nanodevices can be engineered to gain intriguing properties, driving the interaction at the nanoscale with biological media and living system. The activity is focused on 3 main subjects to develop: (i) nanofluidic resonators will be developed for real-time detection and monitoring of single nano-object kinetics; (ii) new generation of theranostic NPs for cancer treatment based on multifunctional and smart properties of the NPs rendering them non-immunogenic, stimuli-responsive for therapy and cell imaging, intrinsically safe and biodegradable in living cancer cells; (iii) microfluidic sensors based on Raman, fluorescence and OECT for molecular fingerprint analysis. Such sensor will allow the detection of tumor pathologies in living cells, tissues and biofluids using label-free, multiplexed, non-destructive, chemically selective and spatially resolved methods. Advanced Optical Imaging • Goal: to implement and test holographic imaging systems based on laser or with light illumination of thick biological samples such as tumor organoids. It is widely recognized that conventional cell cultures based on flat glass or plastic substrates are often inadequate to represent the 3D complexity of real tissues or cell aggregates. We aim at developing new holographic imaging techniques suitable for label-free, 3D imaging of thick, complex biological objects, thus providing fast real-time optical mapping of large 3D dimensional cell aggregates. Three-dimensional quantitative imaging of micro- and macro-structures and their dynamics is particularly relevant in cell biology.


Students coming from Master of Science courses in BioEngineering, Electronics, Nanotechnology, Physics and Chemistry of Matter, Material Science are considered.

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PhD in Bioengineering and Medical-Surgical sciences

Research Title: IN VITRO EXPERIMENTAL MODELS FOR BIOMATERIALS-MEDIATED DRUG DELIVERY TO THE CENTRAL NERVOUS

SYSTEM

Funded by Politecnico di Torino with funding Compagnia di San Paolo

Joint research projects with top universities

Supervisors Valeria Chiono, [email protected] (POLITO) Roger Kamm, [email protected] (MIT)

Contact http://www.dimeas.polito.it/la_ricerca/gruppi/materiali_per_le_bionanotecnologie_e_laboratorio_biomedico


The PhD program is financed within the BIOMODE project “In Vitro Experimental Models for Biomaterials-Mediated Drug Delivery to the Central Nervous System” - Joint research projects with top universities, Compagnia di San Paolo. This project foresees the collaboration between Politecnico di Torino (POLITO) and Massachussets Institute of Technology (MIT). In detail, half of the PhD activity (18 months) will be performed at MIT. Additionally, the PhD student will collaborate with a newly recruited MIT PhD student who will spend 12 months at POLITO. The research activity is focused on the treatment of diseases affecting the Central Nervous System (CNS), such as brain tumors (e.g. glioblastoma) and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease). The effective treatment of such pathologies is hampered by the intrinsic difficulty of reaching the brain with drugs, due to the presence of biological barriers. Among these, the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) consists of a monolayer of tightly connected endothelial cells, wrapped by pericytes and astrocytes, isolating the brain from the circulatory system and is the main obstacle in effective brain therapy. Different polymer nanoparticle (NP) formulations have been developed to increase the BBB passage of drugs. Nevertheless, scaling up in vivo results from small animals to larger scale is not straightforward. Moreover, the lack of reproducibility, the costs, and ethical constraints related to the use of animal models suggest the need for more reliable and less costly in vitro models. In this PhD project, a microfluidic device mimicking the function of pathological human BBB will be developed based on

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natural hydrogels and used to evaluate BBB permeability to drug-loaded polymer/lipid NPs with different bulk and surface properties. Polyurethane block-copolymers with modulated hydrophilic/hydrophobic character will be synthesized and used to prepare NPs with the ability to incorporate hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic drugs depending on their chemistry. Self-assembling lipids will be used to decorate the NPs surface and to introduce functional groups for further coupling of ligands able to favor the NP passage through the BBB and targeted release. The PhD student will collaborate with MIT PhD student for the development of microfluidic pathological models of BBB to test drug delivery to the brain tissue affected either by glioblastoma (POLITO PhD student) or neuroinflammation (MIT PhD student). Additionally, the PhD students will develop preliminary in vitro models of diseased brain tissue by bio-printing, as complementary to the BBB models, for the future investigations of new therapies.

Objectives

The PhD student will be responsible for the development of: (i) Polymer nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulating drugs for brain

cancer treatment (ii) A microfluidic model of pathological human BBB in

collaboration with MIT (iii) A tissue-engineered model of diseased human brain tissue

affected by glioblastoma with the aim to optimize the design of polymer NPs for targeted cancer therapy.

In more detail, the activity will foresee: The synthesis of polyurethanes (PUs) with proper hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties according to a previously established method (POLITO) The development of PU-NPs, their loading with temozolomide, an anti-cancer agent, and their surface functionalisation with functional lipids for the coupling with transferrin and antibody fragments for targeted glioblastoma treatment (POLITO) The preparation and characterization of hydrogels based on chitosan, gelatin and hyaluronic acid to be employed in the BBB model (POLITO) The development of a pathological BBB model with the brain compartment co-populated with glioblastoma cells (MIT) The testing of NPs in the pathological BBB model (MIT) The proof-of-concept development of a bio-printed model of pathological brain tissue affected by glioblastoma (POLITO)


We are looking for talented candidates, preferably with a Master Degree in Biomedical Engineering and with previous expertise in the field of biomaterials, nanotechnology and tissue engineering. In detail, the candidate should have the following skills:

‐ Previous experience in polymer synthesis and physicochemical characterization

‐ Previous direct experience on in vitro cell cultures and in vitro cell experiments with biomaterials

‐ Knowledge of methods for nanoparticle preparation and the techniques for their physicochemical characterization

‐ Knowledge of polymer hydrogels and the techniques for

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their physicochemical characterization One additional desired skill is the capability to use (CAD) softwares for preparation of scaffolds by rapid prototyping techniques. The candidate should possess a good knowledge of English Language in both written and oral forms.

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Research Title:

3D COLLAGEN BASED BIOMIMETIC SCAFFOLDS Funded by Politecnico di Torino Supervisor Chiara Vitale Brovarone Contact [email protected]


Biomimetic scaffolds aim to mimic nature tissues by combining physico-chemical, structural and mechanical properties in order to induce specific cell responses. Consequently, these types of scaffolds are thought to be particularly interesting for the treatment of disease like osteoporosis, where the balance between osteoblast and osteoclast activity requires to be restored.

Up to now, various combination of collagen matrices with inorganic phases like bioglasses and hydroxyapatite (HA) have been studied as potential bone substitutes. Collagen type I and hydroxyapatite are the main components of bone extracellular matrix. As consequence, the use of these two biomaterials brings advantages in terms of biocompatibility and biomimicry in the design of scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

Type I collagen is the primary structural element in extracellular matrices. Collagen substrates are known to be biocompatible, biodegradable and modulate different aspects of cell behaviour like cell adhesion and proliferation. However, collagen shows low biomechanical stiffness and rapid biodegradation, thus requiring a proper crosslinking process.

Hydroxyapatite, the main constituent of the mineral phase of bone, has attracted much attention as a material for bone engineering because of its high bioactivity, osteoconducivity and particular adsorbability for various ions and organic molecules. HA can be synthesized in the form of powder through a number of methods, obtaining particles with different size and shape that may influence cellular activity.

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Mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBG) are considered osteoinductive materials since they are able to release ionic dissolution products that can induce HA precipitation in physiological condition. Strontium doped particles have shown to encourage osteoblast activity of bone deposition, particularly important aspect for the treatment of osteoporosis. Moreover, the use of organized mesoporous materials in biomedical applications continues to gain interest due to their well-defined nanoporous structure offering them the ability to store and release different molecules based on their nanopore size and shape.

Collagen-HA-MBG scaffolds can thus combine the mechanical and osteoinductive properties of inorganic phases with the biological advantages of collagen.

Physico-chemical cues are often combined with structural parameters in order to enhance the biomimetic potential.Since shaping for specific applications and control of pore architecture is challenging to achieve, 3D printing technologies have obtained great interest for the development of TE scaffolds. Thanks to specific CAD/CAM model of bone samples, microfabrication platforms are able to project the articulated bone structure onto the designed scaffold at high resolution.

Objectives

This research project aims to develop a 3D collagen based biomimetic scaffold for the treatment of osteoporotic bone. Collagen/inorganic phase matrices will be properly designed and characterised in order to gain physico-chemical and mechanical properties similar to those of natural bone tissue. The composite material will be optimised in order to have suitable properties in terms of printability, while a proper crosslinking method will be considered for strengthening the final extruded structure. The main objective of the research will be: Preparation of a proper combination of collagen with

hydroxyapatite and mesoporous bioactive glasses particles in order to obtain a homogeneous and stable solution.

Study of the rheological properties of the composite matrices in order to define their viscoelastic behaviour and set the appropriate printing parameters.

Definition of the proper collagen crosslinking method in order to enhance the final mechanical properties of the scaffold, having regard to the whole production process.

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Assessment of the matrix properties before and after bioprinting through the common techniques of physico-chemical and mechanical characterisation.


The characteristics of the successful candidate are: Expertise in the field of collagenous matrix synthesis and characterization Expertise in the study of material rheology Skills on working in a team Proactive approach to join a multidisciplinary research program and to spend time abroad in different Laboratories. Research time spent abroad will be considered a plus.

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Research Title:

NEW DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND

TECHNIQUES


Supervisor

Marco Knaflitz ([email protected]) Danilo Demarchi ([email protected])

Marco Gazzoni ([email protected]) Filippo Molinari ([email protected])

Alberto Vallan ([email protected]) Contact For info: Prof. Marco Knaflitz ([email protected])


Bioengineering is a multidisciplinarity research field that makes together engineering, medicine, biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, Bioengineering aims to advance knowledge and create tangible applications in medicine and biology. In this context, the PolitoBIOMed Lab aims at establishing a unique concept of excellent research taking advantage of a ‘multidisciplinary genetic code’ of bioengineers. PolitoBIOMed Lab will be organised as a robust, challenge-driven thematic platform for strategy and long-term collaboration that hunt down specific challenges, often directly relevant for industry and society. The PolitoBIOMed Lab will target societal challenges and, to do this, it will promote an interdisciplinary approach, by growing up around strategic, challenge-driven approaches in which concrete issues directly relevant to industry and society are addressed. Early diagnosis, personalized therapies, self-healing mechanism activations are among the main purposes to increase the quality of life in our society. In particular, it will be strategic in the next years to develop and master new technologies able to increase the technological content in the research field of innovative devices for life sciences. It is also worth to mention the strategic character of this laboratory, oriented toward the technology transfer and the co-existence of both public and private sectors. These aspects will enable to exploit new scientific results and further develop them toward an application. The context of research activity is the development of innovative techniques in diagnosis and therapy. The overall goal will be to overcome the current limitations of the existing systems and to improve the clinical applicability of innovative research results.

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Objectives

The activities of this PhD proposal comprise, but are not limited to, the following themes. Innovative opto-acoustic systems in cancer diagnosis. The aim of this project is the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic devices in oncology. Open problems in cancer diagnosis are the accuracy of early diagnosis, and the improvement of differential diagnosis in presence of suspicious lesions. Recently, successful research projects led to the development of new infrared-based systems for the differentiation of benign/malignant lesions. The use of infrared light, possibly combined with another minimally invasive energy form like ultrasounds, allows to acquire metabolic and functional data from a tissue. Different metabolism is what finally differentiates a dangerous lesion from a benign one. We aim at developing innovative photoacoustic devices for both diagnosis and treatment of lesions. Advanced micro/nano-solutions. Multiscale applications are crucial in the understanding and treatment of complex physiological and pathological systems. A new class of devices is required in order to boost two extreme and crucial applications: implanted devices and remote medicine. Drug delivery, gene therapy, advanced diagnosis can be achieved by micro and nanosystems, capable of intercepting physiological effects at a subtle scale. We aim at improving the technology of the existing systems by developing new solutions that can be more effective, low-power, and biocompatible, in order to provide tools for a precision and personalized medicine. On the other hand, the increased need for patients monitoring and treatment require the development of customizable and personalizable solutions for home-welfare and wellness. The aim is to develop improved sensors, protocols, and algorithms for remote applications in medicine. Cutting-edge techniques in data processing and system modelling. Last years have witnessed an increasing number of computer-based systems for clinical diagnosis and detection. Most of these systems were based on innovative processing and classification solutions. Such systems constitute enabling technologies that allows clinicians to gain a deeper understanding. Nonlinear and non-stationary modelling and processing are needed in order to correctly extract information from the data. The objective of this research will be focused on the development of cutting-edge solutions for the processing of biosignals and bioimages, and in the modelling of systems.


Students coming for Electronics Master of Science and from BioEngineering Master of Sciences are considered.

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Research Title: TECHNIQUES FOR ADAPTIVE MEDICINE, AGEING AND FRAGILITY


Supervisor

Marco Knaflitz ([email protected]) Danilo Demarchi ([email protected])

Marco Gazzoni ([email protected]) Filippo Molinari ([email protected])

Alberto Vallan ([email protected])

Contact For info: Prof. Marco Knaflitz ([email protected])


Bioengineering is a multidisciplinarity research field that makes together engineering, medicine, biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, Bioengineering aims to advance knowledge and create tangible applications in medicine and biology. In this context, the PolitoBIOMed Lab aims at establishing a unique concept of excellent research taking advantage of a ‘multidisciplinary genetic code’ of bioengineers. PolitoBIOMed Lab will be organised as a robust, challenge-driven thematic platform for strategy and long-term collaboration that hunt down specific challenges, often directly relevant for industry and society.

The PolitoBIOMed Lab will target societal challenges and, to do this, it will promote an interdisciplinary approach, by growing up around strategic, challenge-driven approaches in which concrete issues directly relevant to industry and society are addressed. Early diagnosis, personalized therapies, self-healing mechanism activations are among the main purposes to increase the quality of life in our society. In particular, it will be strategic in the next years to develop and master new technologies able to increase the technological content in the research field of innovative devices for life sciences. It is also worth to mention the strategic character of this laboratory, oriented toward the technology transfer and the co-existence of both public and private sectors. These aspects will enable to exploit new scientific results and further develop them toward an application.

The context of research activity is the development of innovative techniques in personalized therapy and in the study and treatment of physiological and pathological conditions. The overall goal will be to overcome the current limitations of the existing systems and to improve the clinical applicability of innovative research results.

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Objectives

The activities of this PhD proposal comprise, but are not limited to, the following themes.

Human Machine Interface (HMI). The first aim of this research will be the implementation of a motion analysis laboratory, a research space that will support most of the activities relative to this topic. The laboratory will be equipped with state of the art technologies for human movement analysis. Such a facility will open a wide spectrum of research activities from basic science to translational research. The main topics will be the development/assessment of: 1) methods for the investigation of motor behaviour in healthy and pathological subjects, 2) HMI technologies to improve rehabilitation outcomes, 3) training/assistive machines used in sport, adaptive sport, and motor rehabilitation, and 4) systems and methods for tele- rehabilitation and tele-monitoring.

Physiological ageing and fragility prevention. We aim at studying the physiological aspects of ageing by advanced neurofunctional techniques. We will consider neuromuscular (fall prevention and sarcopenia), cognitive and psychological, and metabolic (osteoporosis and diabetes) aspects of ageing. We will develop innovative data processing techniques (mainly based on nonlinear analysis of biosignals and images) and devices (monitoring, sensors, exoskeletons, lab-on-chips) to model the physiological changes during ageing and to propose strategies to prevent fragility.


Students coming for Electronics Master of Science and from BioEngineering Master of Sciences are considered.

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Research Title: FUNCTIONALIZATION OF IMPLANTABLE BIOMATERIALS WITH

BIOMOLECULES OF PLANT ORIGIN: FROM SURFACE

ENGINEERING TO BIOLOGICAL RESPONSE

Funded by Politecnico di Torino

Supervisor Prof. Silvia Spriano ([email protected])

Contact http://www.composites.polito.it


The research will be developed within a joint project with Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil (USP). The research is focused on development of smart biomaterial surfaces coupling biomolecules of plant origin, with proven biological activities, together with traditional biomaterials for bone implants. A lot of surface treatments have already been developed for implants focusing on fast bone integration. However, fast bone integration can be associated with significant inflammation. The focus of future researches must move to physiological healing, through modulation of local host response and infection prevention. The control of host response and infection is still an unmet need with frequent complications: too high risk of inadequate long-term outcome of dental implants, significant heterotopic ossification, fibrosis and infections of the spinal and orthopedic ones. Surface functionalization will follow a bio-inspired approach by using natural biomolecules of plant origin derived from extracts or scraps of vegetal industrial processing. Polyphenols derived from grape pomace, tea leaves and coffee beans have a proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and bone stimulating activity; even if their bioavailability is usually poor by oral dosing, a local action of these biomolecules coupled to the implant surfaces can be much more effective. The expected result is development of innovative biomaterials, starting from well-established materials used for bone implants (titanium and titanium alloys), through surface pre-treatments (in order to get the necessary surface

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reactivity) and functionalization with natural biomolecules. POLITO is owner of a granted European patent on this topic. In situ reduction of silver nanoparticles will be tested in order to increase antibacterial activity. The chemical/physical properties and stability of the surfaces, in vitro response to single cell/bacteria cultures and co-cultures (osteoblasts/osteoclasts, healthy/cancer cells, macrophages/monocytes, fibroblasts/osteoblasts) will be tested, as well as post-processing issues.

Objectives

Overall objective: development of innovative bioactive surfaces of interest for bone contact applications (spinal, orthopedic and dental implants) for physiological healing and recovery, avoiding the risks of implant infection. Methodology: a bio-inspired approach based on grafting natural biomolecules (polyphenols) extracted from natural sources (grape pomace, tea leaves or coffee beans). Grafting will be performed without the employment of synthetic spacers for a better biocompatibility. The substrates will be pre-treated in order to get a proper surface charge, topography and chemical reactivity for an effective grafting of the biomolecules, according to the well-established expertise of the involved partners. Grafted biomolecules will be also exploited for in situ reduction of metallic silver nanoparticles in order to increase their antibacterial properties. The final experimental objective will be to assess the ability of the functionalized materials to modulate the biological response by means of advanced in vitro tests. Incubation with co-cultures of monocytes and peritoneal macrophages, assessment of the pro-inflammatory response by quantification of markers of inflammation, resolution of inflammation and evaluation of osteoblasts/osteoclasts, healthy/cancer cells, fibroblasts/osteoblasts competitive activity will be performed. USP has a well-assessed expertise on this approach. Concerning the risk of infection, polyphenols have proven antibacterial properties, moreover their antioxidant/reduction activity can be exploited for the in situ reduction of metallic silver nanoparticles in order to increase the surface antibacterial action. Bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation will be investigated on bare and functionalized materials. The synergies will be investigated through co-cultures of bacteria and cells of different types. The research has also some objectives finalized to implementation, industrialization of the process, mainly concerning post-processing. Stability of the grafted biomolecules after packaging, sterilization and storage will be investigated in order to obtain innovative biomaterials able to carry natural principles in an active state through the whole production process up to the implantation site and suitable for an industrial manufacturing process. Stability of

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the grafted biomolecules in simulated “working conditions” (physiological solution at 37°C) will be investigated in order to guarantee the bioavailability of the natural biomolecules after implantation for the time requested for tissue healing.


Skills covering material science and engineering, as well as biomedical engineering are requested. The student is requested to

attend 18 months of the PhD course at USP (Brazil).

DOTTORATO/PhD Bioengineering and Medical-Surgical Sciences



DESIGN OF MEDICAL DEVICES AND MULTIFUNCTIONAL

BIOMATERIALS FOR TAILORED TISSUE ENGINEERING

FINANZIATO DA / FUNDED BY: Politecnico di Torino – borsa Compagnia di San Paolo

SUPERVISOR: Prof. Cristina Bignardi (email: [email protected]) Prof. Enrica Vernè (email: [email protected])

CONTATTO / CONTACT: http://www.dimeas.polito.it/la_ricerca/gruppi/biomeccanica_dei_solidi_e_dei_fluidi http://www.composites.polito.it

CONTESTO DELL’ATTIVITÀ DI RICERCA / CONTEXT OF THE RESEARCH ACTIVITY: Engineering technologies are based on mechanistic or phenomenological models, which can accurately predict the evolution of a condition or the effect of a medical treatment of a patient. Such modelling activities could improve the prevention, the diagnosis and the treatment of many diseases. The computational multiscale modeling methods offers powerful and versatile tools for describing the behavior of biomechanical structures and components (artificial, bio-artificial, biological). The multiscale computational modeling has, as its foundation, the relationship between the molecular characteristics of a system and the phenomena at higher scales, such as the mesoscale and the traditional continuous scales. Most benefits can be obtained from the modelling activities if experimental results could be integrated to be able to generate knowledge from either in vitro biological processes or from patient measurements. In this ambit synthesis and characterization of multifunctional biomaterials for hard and soft tissues engineering well integrate with particular focus on the tissue/implant interface optimization and on the prevention of post-surgery complications.

OBIETTIVI/OBJECTIVES: The main objective is to explore new approaches in modeling techniques on three main levels: atomistic, micro/mesoscopic and macroscopic levels. The understanding and the study of some of the main approaches and their physical significance will be the basis for the implementation of innovative in silico methods. The planned research activities are: mechanical characterization of proteins and polymers, tissue remodeling (bone biomechanics, cartilage and tendon), orthopedic medical device design using a multiscale approach, synthesis and characterization of multifunctional biomaterials.

CAPACITÀ E COMPETENZE RICHIESTE PER LO SVOLGIMENTO DELL’ATTIVITÀ DI RICERCA/SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ACTIVITY: The characteristics of the successful candidate are: knowledge in linear solid mechanics, expertise in numerical modeling, expertise in experimental activity, basic skills in materials science and technology, biomaterials/materials for bioengineering. Familiarity with the main methodologies of investigation of biocompatibility, bioactivity, as well as chemical, physical and mechanical characterization of materials. Ability to translate theoretical aspects into biologically relevant implications for the design, realization and characterization of materials for biomedical applications.

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SVILUPPO DI UNA TECNICA DI IMAGING INTRAOPERATORIA PER LA

VISUALIZZAZIONE DI NODULI POLMONARI NELLE PROCEDURE CHIRURGICHE

MINI-INVASIVE VIDEO-ASSISTITE E ROBOT-ASSISTITE

DEVELOPMENT OF INTRAOPERATIVE IMAGING SYSTEM FOR DETECTION OF

MALIGNANT LUNG NODULES DURING VIDEO-ASSISTED AND ROBOTIC ASSISTED

THORACIC SURGERY

FINANZIATO DA / FUNDED BY: Università di Torino - borsa Compagnia San Paolo cofinanziata dal Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche

SUPERVISOR: Prof. Mario MORINO ([email protected]), Prof. Alberto OLIARO ([email protected]), Prof. Alberto AREZZO ([email protected])

CONTATTO / CONTACT: Università di Torino, Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche / University of Torino, Department of Surgical Sciences


Diagnosi e trattamento delle lesioni neoplastiche intra-polmonari / Diagnosis and treatment of intra-pulmonar neoplastic lesions

OBIETTIVI/OBJECTIVES:

1. Sviluppo di un marcatore fluorescente basato sul tripeptide Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) marcato concianine per superare le limitazioni legate all’utilizzo di marcatori basati sulla fluorescina nelcontesto del parenchima polmonare.

2. Dimostrazione su modelli in-vitro della sensibilità e della specificità della sonda RGD-cianinanella valutazione dei margini di resezione su reperti operatori di neoplasie polmonari.

3. Dimostrazione in-vivo dell’efficienza della sonda RGD-cianina nell’identificazione di neoplasiepolmonari in modelli murini.

4. Dimostrazione in-vivo su modello animale dell’efficienza della sonda RGD-cianinanell’identificazione di noduli polmonari intra-parenchimali durante procedure chirurgiche

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toracoscopiche video- e robot-assistite.

1. Development of a fluorescent molecular contrast based on Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) marked with cyanine to overcome limitations of fluorescine based marker in lung parenchymal contest.

2. Demonstration in an in-vitro model of sensitive and specificity of cyanine RGD-marked probe for the evaluation of resection margin in lung cancer specimens.

3. Demonstration of efficiency of cyanine RGD-marked probe for detection of lung neoplasia in a murine model.

4. In-vivo testing of cyanine RGD-marked probe for detection of intra-parenchymal neoplastic nodules in during a thoracoscopic video-assisted and robotic-assisted procedure in animal-model.

CAPACITÀ E COMPETENZE RICHIESTE PER LO SVOLGIMENTO DELL’ATTIVITÀ DI RICERCA/SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ACTIVITY: Progettazione, sviluppo e valutazione di dispositivi medici che utilizzano modelli animali e studi umani pre-clinici, incluse chirurgia toracica minimamente invasiva e chirurgia toracica video-assistita e robotica

Design, development and evaluation of medical devices using animal models and pre-clinical human studies, including minimally invasive thoracic surgery, video-assisted thoracic surgery and robotic-assisted thoracic surgery.

Documents

Dottorato/PhD in Bioingegneria e Scienze Medico ...Dottorato/PhD in Bioingegneria e Scienze Medico-Chirurgiche / Bioengineering and Medical-Surgical Sciences (in convenzione con Università