For Students

After a myocardial infarction, the dead part of the heart muscle is replaced by scar tissue, leading to heart failure. Gene electrotransfer of nucleic acids is a promising non-viral strategy for stimulating cardiac regeneration. In this research topic, the student will investigate the effect of pulse parameters and other experimental conditions on the delivery and expression of nucleic acids in cardiac cells embedded in a hydrogel matrix or on living myocardial slices. The choice of model will be adapted to the student's interests. The project is conducted in collaboration with international partners.

Electroporation pulses can affect the excitability of cardiac cells — directly through depolarization, and over longer time scales through changes in ion channels, gap junctions, and the cytoskeleton. Understanding these effects is essential for the safe clinical use of electroporation in cardiac diseases, including treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, as well as in diseases of other excitable tissues. The research can involve measurements of electrophysiological signals in isolated cardiomyocytes or an excitable cell line using fluorescence microscopy or a multielectrode array, signal processing, microscopy image analysis, and/or numerical modelling.

The design of electroporation protocols requires an understanding of how the electric field is distributed in the target tissue and how it affects excitable structures such as cardiac cells and peripheral nerves. In this research topic, the student will use the finite element method (COMSOL) to develop or extend a numerical model of electroporation in cardiac muscle or a peripheral nerve. The focus will be adapted to the student's interests — from multiscale models of cardiac tissue to models of peripheral nerve stimulation. Validation will be based on experimental data from the laboratory.

Electroporation at the molecular level involves remodelling of lipid bilayers, formation of water pores, and changes in the function of membrane proteins — these processes determine the uptake of molecules and the recovery of the cell. In this research topic, the student will use molecular dynamics simulations (GROMACS) to investigate the effect of pulses on selected cell membrane models. Possible directions include the role of ion channels in pore stability, the effect of small molecules (for example lidocaine), or a comparison of different pulse shapes.

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive primary brain tumour and recurs despite surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Electroporation, alone or in combination with electrochemotherapy, is a promising therapeutic option. In this research topic, the student will investigate the effects of pulses on stem and differentiated glioblastoma cells (isolated from patients) in 3D spheroids, which mimic the tumour better than 2D cultures. Cell survival, invasiveness, and response will be evaluated. The work is carried out in collaboration with the National Institute of Biology.

In gene therapy, DNA injected into tissue tends to stay close to the injection site and reaches only a limited number of cells. Alternating electric fields can be used to concentrate DNA — by reversing the field configuration, the same principle could potentially be applied to actively disperse DNA through the tissue. In this research topic, the student will use numerical modelling (COMSOL) to investigate field distribution and DNA transport for different electrode configurations and signal waveforms, design an experimental setup for model validation, and measure DNA movement in gel.

The deployment of 5G networks requires accurate assessment of human exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields to ensure public safety. According to the recent IEC 62232:2025 standard, several methodologies can be utilized to evaluate this exposure. In this research topic, the student will investigate and compare different practical approaches for extrapolating the maximum possible realistic exposure to 5G base stations. The work will involve evaluating exposure based on an extrapolation formula from measurements of the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) signal, conducting time-averaged measurements under simulated traffic conditions, and alternatively capturing and evaluating the entire 5G data frame. By comparing the values obtained through these different measurement techniques, the student aims to identify the most accurate, efficient, and practical approach for 5G exposure evaluation.

Real-time monitoring of electroporation during treatment is essential for ensuring efficacy. This research topic will design and prototype a bioimpedance measurement system capable of tracking impedance changes during and after EP pulse delivery. The student will develop the measurement electronics, signal conditioning circuitry, and a data acquisition interface, and validate the system using tissue-mimicking phantoms and cell suspensions.

Current EP treatment planning considers only electric field distribution and a simple thermal model. However, electrochemical reactions at the electrodes also cause local pH changes that affect treatment outcomes. This research topic will develop a unified numerical model (COMSOL) integrating electric field, temperature (bioheat equation), and pH dynamics, enabling more accurate prediction of tissue damage and treatment efficacy.

Electroporation experiments generate diverse datasets: impedance measurements, fluorescence traces, flow cytometry results, and temperature profiles. This research topic will develop a modular data acquisition and analysis platform in Python that standardizes data collection, automates common analysis workflows (threshold determination, dose-response curves, statistical comparisons), and provides a web-based dashboard for visualizing results.

EP electrodes release metal ions (Al, Fe, Cr, Ni) into the treatment medium, affecting both food safety and clinical outcomes. Released metals cause a bystander effect on cells not directly electroporated. This research topic will quantify metal ion release from different electrode materials (aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, platinum) under standard EP protocols using ICP-MS, characterize biological effects of released metals, and recommend electrode material choices for different EP applications.