The research I have conducted is primarily focused on adding a topographical feature to microparticles via the combination of pores and dimples to make the resulting microparticles more topographically complex. Initially, I had to observe a PhD student in the group making the microparticles in order to learnt how to do it for myself. After this period, I looked at the variables and the changes that could be made and which would have the most impact. Then, the initial experiment was carried out to determine the effect of adding the porogen and FA (which creates dimples) together. From this, it was decided that we would vary the porogen and etching solution concentration and whether the etching step is carried out before the microparticles are freeze dried or after. The major experiment was then carried out giving the final results of a successful combination of pores and dimples. It also provided information on the order of etching and freeze drying which was that the microparticles are more stable and porous when freeze dried before being
etched. There were good examples of uniform batches with both pores and dimples as shown below in the scanning electron microscope images. I then undertook data analysis steps such as using ImageJ to measure the diameter of the pores, dimples and microparticles to make size distribution graphs for each batch. I also made size distribution graphs from the particle sizer data which we collected.
One of the reasons I see this research as important is that it provides more information towards the goal of using porous microparticles as a scaffold to grow human endothelial vasculature to provide nutrients, oxygen and drugs within 3D tissue models. This can be used in future research into injectable scaffolds for tissue regeneration and engineering. It also provided my colleague useful optimisation information about the etching and freeze drying steps which is important for the stability of the particles through formulation. The manufacturing of the microparticles relies on the parameters which determine the topography of the microparticles and also the uniformity and stability. These factors determine what effect the microparticles have on the cells and so my research is important in optimising these. Another focus of the groups research is on osteoblast or cancer cell and tissue recreation. The textured microparticles I have made during my research have added complexity and so may provide a new avenue for research into the effect they have on stem cells and osteoblast formation. Cancer is obviously a big problem in the UK with one in two people being diagnosed with a form of cancer over their lifetimes. Bone cancer is less prevalent at around 1% throughout the population, however the damage that treatment leaves behind can be fixed using bone tissue regeneration techniques such as injectable microparticle scaffolds like the ones I have looked at during my research period. Therefore, my research is a step towards improving this technology
to tangibly help people who have bone cancer.
The research has been incredibly helpful in terms of my progress in general laboratory skills and specific skills such as using the homogeniser and scanning electron microscope. I was also able to practise using common applications for data analysis such as Image J. This year has been very different obviously to normal due to the coronavirus pandemic but doing the research has been a great opportunity to get valuable lab experience that I would not otherwise have had. I have gained experience in experimental
design and how to prioritise different variables to get the most valuable results out of each experiment. I have learnt a great deal by watching and listening to my mentors as they worked on a separate project. This helped inform the way I worked and also sparked my interest in the field of regenerative medicine using methods such as microparticles and synthetic cell environments. I have been looking for my placement year position and now feel more confident to apply for research post which mention disease modelling and also oncology generally. It has also pushed me towards doing a lab based masters as I was previously unsure about doing one but after this experience doing this project, I now feel much more comfortable and capable of doing another research project such as this in the future.
One area I have definitely improved upon is being able to honestly assess my own knowledge and skills. At the beginning of the project, I felt a little out of my depth and struggled to comprehend some of the information given to me. However, once I admitted this to myself, I was able to ask for help more readily and therefore was more successful in the tasks I was given. I have learnt how to more efficiently turn ideas into action as despite being more of an impulsive decision maker and liking to jump into things, I struggled to properly plan out my actions before and the original idea therefore became
skewed. This project has helped me to clarify that and now feel that I can plan to turn my ideas into meaningful actions. This will make me a more effective leader in future projects. I have been able to build relationships and a network through this project such as a contact in engineering who has links to IVF
related research which is an interest of mine. This skill is important for me as a leader as having a good network and relationships with those I work with can be make or break for projects which require multidisciplinary input. I have most importantly improved my data analysis skills as I struggle with my
confidence in maths and using computer based applications for data analysis. I employed my problem solving skills to try and figure out the problems if I could before asking my supervisor. This will make me more confident in my own skills and therefore more able to motivate my team to be the same.
So far, I have prepared a research poster which really allowed me to see my research from a different perspective. I think I did not realise the true result as while in the middle of the project, it felt a little like I was not doing anything. Therefore, doing this was reflective for me. It also was a great experience to
work with my mentor on the poster as I think I now have a better idea of what a real scientific research poster should be, and I will be better off in the future when doing this exercise again. I have not done anything else in terms of dissemination of my research so far, but I will be sharing it on the Laidlaw
scholars’ network as part of this. I will be helping promote the scholarship during fresher’s week by helping run the stand and answering incoming students’ questions during the day alongside my cohort.
Currently my plan is to continue onto the integrated master’s course after completing a placement year. I hope to do this experience in either a pharmacology or healthcare related research field. I feel this experience will not only make me more employable but also improve my independency in both my personal life and in the workplace. I also hope to employ some of my new leadership skills in completing my own project during this time. The NHS Scientist Training Program (STP) is one of my current options post graduation. I hope to do this after completing the master’s year but would consider applying prior if I feel a year of research is not for me after my placement year. Doing the clinical embryology pathway would be my first preference as I have always been interested in the field and fits my ‘dream job’ of being in a
clinical role but not on the frontline of acute medicine. The idea of furthering my education alongside working to become a clinical scientist is perfect for me and I really appreciate the opportunity to further this in the future with the Higher STP in which you complete a PHD. Due to my interest in embryology,
this research project gives me an avenue to pursue by combining my new materials science experience to lead a project into the area during my PhD. This would also give me the opportunity to be in a leadership role which as a Laidlaw scholar, I will have been fully prepared for. However, I am open to these plans changing depending on what I enjoy during my degree and placement year as being interested in my field is one of the most important things to me.
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