Reseach

Thesis title: "Establishment of a fully automated dynamic column-based three-dimensional cell culture method for radiotracer assessment"

Thesis outline: Verena started her PhD in the group of Verena Pichler in 2023. Her project aims to produce silk scaffolds that function as artificial extracellular matrices (AEM) for advanced in vitro models. Modifications, such as lanolin, allow to change the structural properties of AEMs for a multitude of purposes. In order to achieve a reproducible silk scaffold production, a comprehensive silk characterisation portfolio (quality control protocol) was established. The silk scaffold was further applied in an automated column-based 3D cell culture assay, allowing to study the pharmacokinetics of new radiotracers, thereby potentially reducing the need for animal testing. This project is in strong cooperation with the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Vienna, the Medical University of Vienna, DOCmedikus GmbH and MedAustron. 

Supervisors: Verena Pichler and Andreas Teuschl-Woller (FH Technikum Wien)