Taste of Research Summer Scholarships

2025 Projects - Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering Research Areas

Biomedical Engineering Projects

No School Research Area

Project Title:	Development of a custom epidural spinal cord stimulation lead and connector system for small animals
Name of Supervisor:	Mohit Shivdasani
Email of Supervisor:	m.shivdasani@unsw.edu.au
Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	.
Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	.
School:	Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Health & Medical Technologies
Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:
Terms:	Term 2
Abstract:	Spinal cord stimulation is a well-established treatment for a number of conditions, the largest of which is treatment of chronic neuropathic pain. In this project we aim to study the effects of chronic spinal cord stimulation on various spinal neurons and their circuits. For this purpose, we are looking for an engineering taste of research student to assist with the design and development of a multichannel lead and connector system that will be suitable to sterilise and implant in small animals (rats).
Research Environment:	The student will conduct this work at the Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering with access to a dedicated fabrication laboratory. The student will be expected to have some basic skills with PCB design and mechanical prototyping (such as basic 3D printing).
Novelty and Contribution:	.
Expected Outcomes:	The outcomes of this project will be a robust lead and connector platform system that will be used for spinal cord stimulation work.
Reference Material Links:	https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35041589/
Will the student visit the premises of an industry partner, or undertake any activity on premises external to UNSW?	No

Project Title:	Understanding dissolution in biomedical stimulating electrodes
Name of Supervisor:	Ulises Aregueta Robles
Email of Supervisor:	u.areguetarobles@unsw.edu.au
Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Laura Poole-Warren
Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	.
School:	Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Health & Medical Technologies
Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:
Terms:	Term 2
Abstract:	This research aims to understand the impact of living cells on electrical performance and degradation of metal electrodes used in in bionic neuromodulation devices. Neural stimulating bionic devices are used to treat neurological conditions and diseases of nervous system tissues. These devices operate by delivering electric pulses to target tissue via metallic electrodes, typically made of platinum (Pt) and its alloys. The longevity and safety of these devices relies on delivering safe electric charge levels without compromising the integrity of the electrodes. However, electrically active, stimulating electrodes can degrade in the body and in vitro studies have shown that biological factors such as protein can affect their electrochemical performance and influence electrode degradation. There are limited studies on the effects of living cells, key elements of the host response against implantable devices, on electrochemical properties and electrode degradation. One of the reasons for this is that electrical stimulation can affect the ability of cells to adhere and survive on electrodes. This project will specifically study the impact of clinically relevant electrical stimulation on cell adhesion and viability as well as evaluating how cells affect the electrochemical performance and the dissolution of Pt and platinum iridium (Pt-Ir) electrodes.
Research Environment:	The student will participate in this project sponsored by our ARC-Linkage industry collaboration with Cochlear Limited (LP190101139). The student will work in state-of-the-art Biomedical Engineering laboratories with facilities specialised in electrode fabrication and PC2 laboratories for cell culture. The student will be supported by two academics, and two PhD students, and through the project, will build professional networks with industry collaborators.
Novelty and Contribution:	.
Expected Outcomes:	Through understanding the interdependent tissue and electrode responses this project will develop biomimetic in vitro tools for predicting in vivo Pt and Pt-Ir degradation. Results are highly like to result in a high-quality scientific publication. An expected long-term outcome is the reduced animal use in product development.
Reference Material Links:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122575
Will the student visit the premises of an industry partner, or undertake any activity on premises external to UNSW?	No