Silk as structural material for organ-on-chip

Thanks to their biocompatibility, tunable mechanical properties, and optical transparency, silk fibroin films represent a promising substrate for bioMEMS  and particularly for membrane integration in organs-on-chip devices. Silk fibroin films can be fabricated by dissolving Bombyx mori silk cocoons in a suitable solvent and subsequently casting the obtained solution onto a substrate.

The goal of this Master thesis project is to developd and comprehensively characterize thin silk films for bioMEMS, and explore their integration in organ-on-chip devices. 

Assignment

The project will include the following activities:

1. A review of silk synthesis approaches, and of properties and applications of silk thin films;
2. Development of thin silk films and their characterization (mechanical, optical);
3. Use of silk as structural biomMEMS material;
4. Integration of silk films into organ-on-chip devices;
5. Reporting.

Requirements

You are an ambitious hands-on master student with a background in microelectronics, mechanical or materials engineering. You have an affinity for working in a multi-disciplinary context, including biology and (micro)fabrication. You have good communication skills in English, you are independent and a team player.

The graduation project will have a total duration of 9 to 12 months.

Contact

Last modified: 2025-09-15