Master thesis »Development of a Perfusion System for the Maintenance of Living Skin Tissue«(m/w/x)

City: Halle (Saale) Date: Mar 11, 2025 # Master thesis »Development of a Perfusion System for the Maintenance of Living Skin Tissue« The Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS is a methodically oriented Fraunhofer Institute in the fields of materials science and materials engineering with headquarters in Halle (Saale) and is looking for a student to work on a scientific topic as soon as possible. In the business unit “Biological and Macromolecular Materials”, the development of effective care and medical products is pursued through the elucidation of mechanisms of action and the development of new materials and surface technologies to improve biofunctional properties. **What you will do** For the scientific study of skin conditions (e.g., wounds, skin diseases, or aging processes) and the development of corresponding care products, medications, and diagnostic methods, animal testing has so far been essential. As a more animal-friendly, sustainable, and transferable solution, a research project at Fraunhofer IMWS aims to establish a technical setup for perfusion and thereby the maintenance of human skin, enabling the viability of skin explants to be preserved over several days. The goal of the thesis is to build and operate such a technical setup for the maintenance of skin tissue and to assess the vitality of the perfused skin. The construction of the test system particularly includes the design and implementation of a housing, taking into account sealing, access points (e.g., for the supply and drainage of the perfusion solution), climate control, and sterility. Material science and biochemical aspects involve the bedding of the tissue on a hydrogel layer and the composition of the perfusion solution. The vitality of the skin will be monitored through immunohistochemical analyses. The written thesis will include a discussion of the results incorporating current scientific literature. **What you bring to the table** * Enrolled in Master's program in engineering, plant engineering, biomedical engineering, chemistry, or bioengineering * Strong Interest in experimental and technical questions * Good to very good academic performance **What you can expect** * Scientific work on a current and practice-relevant topic * Professional supervision and technical support during the preparation of your thesis * Excellent technical equipment We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. **Job Segment:** Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, Supply, Materials Engineer, Science, Engineering, Operations, Research