Background: Drug delivery to the brain remains a major challenge due to the restrictive nature of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) show promise for mRNA delivery, but brain-targeted application remains limited. Focused ultrasound (FUS), combined with microbubbles, offers a non-invasive approach to locally and transiently open the BBB, enhancing drug uptake.
This project aims to develop an integrated platform for evaluating FUS-mediated mRNA delivery across the BBB. Key goals include: (1) establishing a physiologically relevant BBB-on-chip model; (2) integrating an in-vitro FUS system to study BBB modulation and drug delivery mechanisms; and (3) assessing delivery efficiency, immune response, and targeting of mRNA-loaded LNPs. By combining expertise in ultrasound, microfluidics, and immunotherapy, this project addresses a critical bottleneck in neuro-oncology and neuroinflammation, laying the groundwork for future mRNA-based therapeutic strategies targeting the central nervous system.
🧠 Project Title
Establishment of a Microfluidic Chip System to Model the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) and Systematic Analysis of Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Components for BBB Translocation – Combined with Focused Ultrasound
🧪 Methods
Fluorescence microscopy, PCR, FACS, and Western blot – combined with focused ultrasound (FUS) for in vitro analysis of various vaccination strategies using LNPs of different compositions in a glioblastoma model.
📍 Location
University Medical Center Mannheim (UMM) & German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
📅 Requirements
1–2 semesters off from coursework (full-time project)
🚀 Start
Immediately / flexible start date
Bei Interesse gerne einmal mit CV an Dr. Tom Kuhn, tom.kuhn@umm.de