Diafiltration of ‘lipoplex’ nanocomposites using a micro/millifluidic tandem approach

Job title:

Diafiltration of ‘lipoplex’ nanocomposites using a micro/millifluidic tandem approach

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Job description

Offer DescriptionContextDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, a particular organic nanocomposite came to light: the lipoplex, a hundred nm particle made up of a core of mRNA condensed by a cationic lipid and surrounded by a lipid shell. This complex architecture is formed by three initial assembly mechanisms (Ouzo effect, amphiphilic self-assembly, ionic complexation). However, a purification step is required to remove solvent & impurities and modify pH and ionic strength. These compositional changes can induce a significant response in the structure of the objects, the impact of which is currently unknown in the literature. However, the structure determines the efficacy and toxicity of these objects, and must be controlled.StrategyWe propose to develop an instrumented diafiltration (continuous flow dialysis) process, enabling us to study the impact of a change in composition on the nanostructure of lipoplexes. The tandem of microfluidic and millifluidic scales will enable us to benefit from their respective advantages: in situ characterization, frugal multiparametric exploration for microfluidics, production and industrial scale-up for millifluidics. Radiation scattering techniques (X-rays, neutrons) will be used to characterize objects. In particular, this approach will enable us to understand the relationship between the composition (presence of solvent, pH, salinity) and structure of nano-objects. More generally, this new approach will enable us to study dynamically the response of a dispersed system to a change in its continuous phase, opening the way to a better understanding of assembly mechanisms.

EnvironmentThe thesis will be carried out at the Toulouse Chemical Engineering Center in the complex fluids & colloids team, which has around twenty members, in a multidisciplinary, varied and collaborative environment. The thesis is funded by a single-team ANR project designed to promote internal collaborations within a research team, where you will benefit from sustained and diversified supervision to train you in research. Other parts are open to applications (thesis + post-doctorate).ConditionsA 3-year fixed-term contract will be established to carry out this thesis, ideally starting in October 2024. Net salary approx. 1600 euros.ProfileIn addition to curiosity and motivation to lead a research project, skills in micro or millifluidics and/or physical chemistry and/or radiation scattering will be particularly appreciated.ContactMain supervision: Dr. Yannick Hallez, Dr. Isaac Rodriguez-RuizProject leader and first contact: Dr. Kevin Roger, CNRS researcherFunding category: Autre financement publicANR ProsalidePHD title: Doctorat de procédés physico-chimiquesPHD Country: FranceWhere to apply WebsiteRequirementsSpecific RequirementsChimie, Nanochimie, ProcédésAdditional InformationWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute CNRS UMR 5503 Country France City Toulouse GeofieldContact WebsiteSTATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

€1600 per month

Location

Toulouse

Job date

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 23:36:08 GMT

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