Dr Marc de Kamps’ expertise in computational modelling of dynamical systems and parameter identifiability aligns with Biomaterial Engineering through the in‑silico characterisation of soft‑tissue mechanics (muscle–tendon–joint). The work treats neuromuscular tissues as engineered biomaterials whose properties are measured and tuned within programmable microenvironments (task/episode states).
His current research interests lie at the intersection of cellular biophysics and tissue mechanics. He combines fluorescence microscopy, image analysis, mathematical modelling and optogenetics to discover the principles governing collective cellular behaviours. By reconstructing complex tissues dynamics from the bottom up, he aims to reveal how individual cells shape emergent behaviours, and how we can…
Fibrosis is the pathological end-product of a tissue’s response to chronic damage/inflammation including cancer, thus can affect most organ systems and represents a major medical problem. It is defined by dramatic changes in tissue composition and organisation, often including local and global alignment of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that affects the tissue’s material properties and…
The skin architecture and biomechanics change dramatically in aging, wound repair and scarring, yet most insights come from traditional histology and disconnected molecular biology. State-of-the-art, label-free, analytical techniques (e.g. X-ray and Raman scattering) provide biomechanical and chemical tissue characterisation. Small and wide angle X-ray scattering can reveal nanoscale structural features, crystallisation, and biomineralisation phenomena. Novel…
This PhD project aims to engineer sustainable nanofiber scaffolds from alternative proteins for advanced mucosal tissue generation. Using electrospinning and surface modification, we will create biocompatible, adhesive scaffolds that support fibroblast growth and differentiation, forming a collagen-rich matrix. Co-culturing fibroblasts with mucin-producing epithelial cells will enable the development of a self-generating artificial mucosa, mimicking the…
Engineered nucleic acids (xeno nucleic acids, XNAs) use chemical configurations not found in nature to extend their structural and functional scope, and are increasingly a source of novel nanostructures, -devices and drugs. In this project, you will study XNAs designed with specific enzymatic and high-affinity binding functionalities and elucidate structure-function relationships. You will develop and…
Diseases generate microenvironments with differing physical, chemical, and biological properties compared to healthy tissues. In cancer, the tumour microenvironment (TME) promotes progression and therapy resistance of the most advanced therapeutics including ‘smart’ nanomedicines and engineered cell-based therapies. While nanomedicines are limited in tunability of function, cell-based therapies can be engineered to modify their microenvironments (e.g….
This project combines multidisciplinary approaches, bridging biology and soft polymer physics, to deliver new biocompatible synthetic systems as programmable environments for applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering. These synthetic scaffolds will be designed using beta-glucan components, naturally found in the cell walls of plants and microbes. These scaffolds will support membranous interfaces to generate…
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the UK, with 100 people diagnosed every day. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for colorectal cancer with around 30,000 operations performed each year in the NHS. Around 50% of patients will be cured by surgery, but 10-15% will develop locoregional disease recurrence due to…
In vitro models to investigate striated muscle function are of increasing biological and medical significance. However, current cell culture systems and microtissue models lack reproducibly and maturity owing to various factors. Some of their limitations is the lack of 3D spatial context of the microtissue including: paracrine signalling from cellular neighbours; substrate organisation that mimics…