Student Projects
Here is a list of some of our actual student projects. However, note that we are also accustomed to tailor the project on the expertise and interests of each student. If you are interested in learning more you can contact the project responsibles or Janos Vörös..
Characterization of an advanced high-speed SICM for live cell imaging
Scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) is the non-contact SPM technology to image live cells based on glass capillaries with a nanometric aperture. It applies a voltage and measures the ionic current flowing through the pipette above the sample in the buffer solution: the recorded current represents the feedback signal to measure the topography of the sample. This project aims to characterize a state of the art high-speed SICM to enable time-resolved live cell imaging, and do the live cell imaging on human primary keratinocytes to study the related disease.
Keywords
high-speed SICM, live cell imaging, noise and data analysis
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-02-14 , Earliest start: 2025-02-17
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Xu Mengjia
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Investigating cells mechanical properties via Fluidic Force Microscopy in a 2D autoimmune skin disease model
The remarkable complexity of morphogenesis and tissue regeneration implies the existence of a transcellular communication network in which individual cells sense the environment and coordinate their biological activity in time and space. To understand the fascinating ability of tissue self-organization, comprehensive study of biophysical properties (cellular nanomechanics such as tension forces and bioelectromagnetics) in combination with the analysis of biochemical networks (signaling pathways and genetic circuits) is required. In this framework we are investigating the unacknowledged key role of Desmoglein 3 (Dsg3) as a receptor involved in mechanosensing, capable of initiating a signaling response in the transcellular communication network, which results in stem cell fate conversion, plasticity and tissue repair. Our goal is to apply innovative Fluidic Force Microscopy to measure altered biophysical parameters upon disruption of Dsg3 transadhesion such as cell stiffness, cell-cell adhesion, cell surface charges and electric potentials. Together with the University of Bern and University of Lübeck we are further investigating how these biophysical changes relate to transcriptomic, epigenomic and proteomic response circuits to ultimately infer biophysical and biochemical circuits involved in Dsg3 signaling.
Keywords
Fluidic, atomic, force, microscopy, AFM, FluidFM, single-cell manipulation, spectroscopy, microfluidic, mechanical, properties, analysis, autoimmune, disease, pemphigus, health, monoclonal, antibodies, human, keratinocytes, cells, nanoscience, biophysics, bionanotechnology, mechanobiology, interdisciplinary, fluorescence, imaging, processing, FLIM, lifetime, microscopy, biosensing, biosensors, cell culture, wet lab, data analysis, python
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-02-10
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Paccagnan Giacomo
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Biology , Physics
Investigating cells mechanical properties via Fluidic Force Microscopy in a 2D in-vitro autoimmune skin disease model
The remarkable complexity of morphogenesis and tissue regeneration implies the existence of a transcellular communication network in which individual cells sense the environment and coordinate their biological activity in time and space. To understand the fascinating ability of tissue self-organization, comprehensive study of biophysical properties (cellular nanomechanics such as tension forces and bioelectromagnetics) in combination with the analysis of biochemical networks (signaling pathways and genetic circuits) is required. In this framework we are investigating the unacknowledged key role of Desmoglein 3 (Dsg3) as a receptor involved in mechanosensing, capable of initiating a signaling response in the transcellular communication network, which results in stem cell fate conversion, plasticity and tissue repair. Our goal is to apply innovative Fluidic Force Microscopy to measure altered biophysical parameters upon disruption of Dsg3 transadhesion such as cell stiffness, cell-cell adhesion, cell surface charges and electric potentials. Together with the University of Bern and University of Lübeck we are further investigating how these biophysical changes relate to transcriptomic, epigenomic and proteomic response circuits to ultimately infer biophysical and biochemical circuits involved in Dsg3 signaling.
Keywords
Fluidic, atomic, force, microscopy, AFM, FluidFM, single-cell manipulation, spectroscopy, microfluidic, mechanical, properties, analysis, autoimmune, disease, pemphigus, health, monoclonal, antibodies, human, keratinocytes, cells, nanoscience, biophysics, bionanotechnology, mechanobiology, interdisciplinary
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-02-10 , Earliest start: 2024-02-11
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Paccagnan Giacomo
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Biology , Physics
Simulating the Interfacial Nanopore: Enhancing Fundamental Understanding of the Governing Nanoscale Dynamics
The solid-state nanopore has become a powerful tool for label-free single-molecule detection, characterising DNA and RNA structures, with recent work demonstrating the ability to detect protein structure information. Studying single-cells requires us to push this protein characterisation further, with the interfacial nanopore one approach to achieving this. In this project, you would simulate and compare with empirical data the properties of the solid-state interfacial nanopore for single-molecule detection and characterisation.
Keywords
Biophysics, Single-molecule, Simulation, Nanopore
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-02-03 , Earliest start: 2025-02-10 , Latest end: 2026-02-10
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Cronk Justin
Topics Physics
Characterization and investigating 2D skin disease model via biosensing and optical imaging
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a unique group of autoimmune diseases. Researches have demonstrated that antibody-induced disruption of Dsg3 transadhesion initiates a signaling response in basal keratinocytes followed by loss of tissue integrity. The complexity of morphogenesis and tissue regeneration implies the existence of a transcellular communication network in which individual cells sense the environment and coordinate their biological activity in time and space. To understand the fascinating ability of tissue self-organization, comprehensive study of biophysical properties (cell topography and bioelectricity) in combination with the analysis of biochemical networks (signaling pathways and genetic circuits) is required. Together with the University of Bern and University of Lübeck, we aim to utilize the tools to study the topography and electrophysiology (cell potential, ion channel recording, localized ion detection, charges) of HPEK cells (human primary keratinocytes cells) to unravel the signaling pathways of the disease. We utilize optical imaging (fluorescence dyes) and biosensing tools (including the state of the art hs-SICM and electrical FluidFM setup) to study HPEK cells upon desmosome disruption.
Keywords
Disease, signaling pathways, 2D model, cell culture, biosensors, AFM, electrical, FluidFM, SICM, dyes, imaging, topography, electrophysiology, data analysis, interdisciplinary
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Semester Project , Lab Practice , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , Summer School
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Published since: 2025-01-16
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Xu Mengjia
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Chemistry , Biology
Developing an In Vitro Platform to Study Neuron-Tumor Interactions
Glioblastoma, the most aggressive brain tumour in adults, interacts with the surrounding healthy brain to promote further cancer growth. However, it is challenging to study these interactions directly in the human brain. In response, we are developing a platform that allows us to study this phenomenon in more detail, with a particular focus on unravelling how cancer alters the electrical activity of brain cells.
Keywords
Glioblastoma, microfluidics, biomarkers, electrophysiology, microelectrode arrays, hydrogels, brain-on-a-chip, cancer invasion, drug testing
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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-01-09 , Earliest start: 2025-03-01 , Latest end: 2025-12-02
Applications limited to EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , ETH Zurich , University of Zurich
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Amos Giulia
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Development of a Micro-/Nanomanipulator for Dynamic Single-Molecule Sensing
In this project, you will work on the design and development of a micro-/nanomanipulator that is integrated into a cutting-edge single-molecule sensor. This system will enable precise positioning of the sensor chip and dynamic size control of the nanopore, critical for detecting protein modifications of varying sizes. This project offers an excellent opportunity for students interested in nanotechnology, hardware development, and biomolecular analysis to gain interdisciplinary experience and make meaningful contributions to advancing nanopore sensing technology.
Keywords
nanopore sensing, single-molecule detection, protein analysis, post-translational modifications, nanopore size control, nanomanipulation, dynamic measurements, diagnostics, hardware design, microfluidics, nanofabrication, precision instrumentation, interdisciplinary, biomolecular analysis
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-01-08 , Earliest start: 2025-01-26 , Latest end: 2026-06-30
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Hengsteler Julian
Topics Engineering and Technology
High-Resolution Controller for Piezo-Based Nanomanipulators
In this project, you will focus on the design and development of a custom hardware controller for piezoelectric actuators, enabling precise control of a micro-/nanomanipulator integrated into a cutting-edge nanopore sensor. The controller will provide high-resolution actuation voltages (up to 120 V) with closed-loop feedback for precise piezo actuation, critical for dynamic size control of interface nanopores. This project offers an exciting opportunity to combine hardware design, control systems, and nanotechnology in a real-world application.
Keywords
nanopore sensing, piezoelectric actuators, piezo driver, closed-loop control, high-voltage precision, nanopore size control, hardware development, custom electronics, nanomanipulation, diagnostics, interdisciplinary, biomolecular analysis, embedded systems
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-01-08 , Earliest start: 2025-01-26 , Latest end: 2026-06-30
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Hengsteler Julian
Topics Engineering and Technology
Advancing Single-Molecule Sensing for Protein Analysis
In this project, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the development and optimization of a single-molecule sensor designed for the detection, identification, and analysis of important biomolecules such as DNA and proteins. The sensor technology is built upon the principles of microfluidics, nanofabrication, and machine-learning data analysis. It is an excellent fit for students who possess skills and a strong interest in these fields and are eager to engage in an interdisciplinary project with significant potential impact.
Keywords
nanopore sensing, single-molecule detection, protein analysis, post translational modifications, glycosilation, dna sequencing, diagnostics, nanotechnology, microfluidics, nanofabrication, machine learning, interdisciplinary, biomolecular analysis, data analysis
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2024-12-06 , Earliest start: 2023-09-18 , Latest end: 2024-11-30
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Hengsteler Julian
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Chemistry , Biology , Physics
Assay development for cancer diagnostics
You will develop a diagnostic test for testicular cancer. The focus of the project will be on creating the biochemical protocols for the test. The project is in collaboration with a prelaunch startup and a hospital (USZ). Therefore, it is ideal for motivated students who want to have a direct impact
Keywords
diagnostic, diagnostics, test, biosensing, sensing, biosensor, sensor, dna, rna, mirna, cancer, functionalization, gold, nanoparticles, biochemistry, chemistry, assay, surface chemistry,
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Internship , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2024-12-03
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Blickenstorfer Yves
Topics Engineering and Technology , Chemistry , Biology
Develop microfluidics for at-home blood testing
Collaborating with a dynamic startup, you will work on designing, manufacturing, and testing microfluidic devices to quantify biomolecules associated with chronic inflammation, heart attacks, and tropical diseases.
Keywords
Microfluidics, Fluidics, blood testing, diagnostics, biosensing, biosensor, diseases, healthcare, electrochemistry, Interdisciplinary, startup, impact, impactful, Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, LBB, Quantification, Biomedical engineering, Materials science, Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, Innovation
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Internship , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2024-12-03 , Earliest start: 2024-01-09
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Blickenstorfer Yves
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Chemistry , Biology , Physics
Revolutionize at-home diagnostics
Join our interdisciplinary student project to transform at-home diagnostics! Work on cutting-edge technology, boost sensitivity, engineer tests for seamless home use, and develop targeted disease detection. Help us to shape the future of healthcare.
Keywords
diagnostics, assay, electrochemistry, biosensing, sensing, sensor, biosensor, disease, detection, interdisciplinary, electrochemical, microfluidics, impact, health, startup
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Internship , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2024-12-03 , Earliest start: 2023-07-26
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Blickenstorfer Yves
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Chemistry , Biology , Physics