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..
Decoding Protein Glycosylation at the Single-Molecule Level Using Solid-State Nanopores
Embedded in a dynamic startup environment at the forefront of molecular diagnostics, this interdisciplinary project invites you to help develop a next-generation single-molecule sensor aimed at detecting and differentiating protein glycoforms. Your focus will be on glycosylated and enzymatically deglycosylated forms of bovine lactoferrin and/or human Immunoglobulin A1 (IgA1) derived from multiple myeloma patients - two clinically relevant glycoproteins whose altered glycosylation profiles are deeply implicated in immune regulation, cancer progression, and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
Keywords
nanopore sensing, glycosylation, post-translational modifications, protein analysis, single-molecule detection, immunoglobulin A1, lactoferrin, diagnostics, nanotechnology, microfluidics, nanofabrication, machine learning, biophysics, data science, software development, disease biomarkers
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-07-24 , Earliest start: 2025-09-01 , Latest end: 2027-12-15
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Torosyan Anahit
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Chemistry , Physics
Unmasking Glycocarriers: Single-Molecule Insights with Solid-State Nanopores
Hosted within a dynamic startup driving innovation in next-generation biosensing, this project offers a hands-on opportunity to advance single-molecule technologies for biomedical and biotechnological applications. It centers on the analysis of glycocarriers, which are like special protein "trees" designed by scientists to hold sugar molecules (glycans) in specific patterns that play pivotal roles in therapeutic delivery, immune modulation, and disease targeting. You will investigate how the architecture and composition of glycan moieties on biological and synthetic carriers influence their electrical signatures during nanopore translocation. The insights gained will contribute to the development of ultra-sensitive diagnostic tools and glycoengineering strategies.
Keywords
glycocarriers, glycosylation, nanopore technology, single-molecule analysis, biosensing, diagnostics, nanobiotechnology, machine learning, data analysis, structural biology, molecular engineering
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-07-24 , Earliest start: 2025-09-01 , Latest end: 2027-12-15
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Torosyan Anahit
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Chemistry , Physics
Single-Molecule Characterization of Nanoparticle–Biomolecule Conjugates Using Solid-State Nanopores
Conducted in an innovative startup environment, this interdisciplinary project invites you to explore the design and construction of nanoparticle - biomolecule conjugates and their subsequent single-molecule detection using solid-state nanopores. You will work on assembling and analyzing DNA-based constructs tagged at one and both termini with distinct nanoparticles, establishing a platform for molecular detection, structural interrogation, and signal engineering at the nanoscale.
Keywords
nanopore sensing, DNA nanotechnology, nanoparticle conjugates, single-molecule detection, nanobiophysics, nanopore analytics, nanotechnology, machine learning, signal processing, biophysical chemistry
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-07-24 , Earliest start: 2025-09-01 , Latest end: 2026-12-15
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Torosyan Anahit
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Chemistry , Physics
Investigating the Mechanisms of a Novel Nov-invasive Deep Brain Stimulation
We are seeking highly motivated Bachelor’s, Semester, and Master’s students to help us uncover the fundamental mechanisms of Temporal Interference Stimulation (TIS), a new form of non-invasive deep brain stimulation based on the targeted interference of two or more high-frequency electromagnetic fields. TIS has already shown significant clinical promise in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Students participating in this collaborative effort between the IT’IS Foundation (a leader in translational neuroengineering research) and ETH Zurich will be enrolled at ETH Zurich in the Laboratory for Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB) under the supervision of Prof. Dr. János Vörös.
Keywords
Temporal Interference Stimulation, Computational Neuroscience, Experimental In-vitro Neuroscience, Digital Twin, Non-invasive Brain Stimulation, In vitro Neural Cultures, High-density Multielectrode Recordings, Calcium Imaging and Voltage Imaging
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-07-24 , Earliest start: 2025-09-01
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Karimi Fariba
Topics Engineering and Technology
Biophysics of excitable cells by force-controlled patch clamp
Are you interested in exploring the technique of novel intrumentations? Do you want to explore the action potential of excitable cells, e.g. Neuron or cardimyocyts in a revolutionary approach?Are you interested in exploring the relationship between the bioelectricity and biomechanics?
Keywords
force-controlled patch clamp, novel technique, bioelectricity and biomechanics, excitable cells
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-07-13 , Earliest start: 2025-07-14 , Latest end: 2026-03-15
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Xu Mengjia
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , 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: 2025-07-10
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: 2025-07-10 , 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: 2025-07-10 , Earliest start: 2023-07-26
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Blickenstorfer Yves
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Chemistry , Biology , Physics
Develop the electronics for a new medical sensor
You will work on bringing medical tests to peoples home. You will further develop the hardware and software for a readout device that can perform a variety of diagnostic tests in a reliable but simple fashion.
Keywords
Electronics, Software, Sensor, Biosensor, Potentiostat, Analog, Data Analysis, Noise Filtering, Start-up, printed circuit board, PCB, C++, Arduino, Microcontroller, Diagnostic, Medical
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Semester Project , Internship , Lab Practice , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , Summer School
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Published since: 2025-07-10
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Blickenstorfer Yves
Topics 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: 2025-06-09 , 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: 2025-06-09 , Earliest start: 2025-01-26 , Latest end: 2026-06-30
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Hengsteler Julian
Topics Engineering and Technology
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 , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-05-30
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Xu Mengjia
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Chemistry , Biology
Development of a High-Bandwidth, Low-Noise Current Amplifier for Next-Generation Nanopore Sensing
This project focuses on the design and development of a high-performance current amplifier (e.g. transimpedance amplifier) tailored for nanopore-based single-molecule sensing. The amplifier will be optimized for high bandwidth and ultra-low noise operation to enable accurate current measurements from a novel (serial-)interface nanopore platform designed for next-generation protein analysis and sequencing. Emphasizing modularity, the system will support flexible adaptation as the sensing technology evolves. The project offers students an opportunity to work at the intersection of analog electronics, bioinstrumentation, and molecular analysis, contributing to the foundational electronics behind future breakthroughs in protein sequencing.
Keywords
transimpedance amplifier, nanopore sensing, low-noise electronics, high-bandwidth, modular design, protein analysis, single-molecule detection, nanopore, precision instrumentation, analog circuit design, bioelectronics, interdisciplinary
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-05-22 , Earliest start: 2025-06-02 , 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: 2025-05-06 , Earliest start: 2023-09-18 , Latest end: 2026-04-30
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Hengsteler Julian
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Chemistry , Biology , Physics
Bioengineered iPSC-Derived Neural Networks on High-Density Microelectrode Arrays for Studying Pathological Changes in Alzheimer’s Disease
Are you interested in uncovering how Alzheimer’s disease disrupts communication in the brain — and exploring new ways to study and possibly intervene in this process? In this project, you will use cutting-edge microfluidic platforms to construct bioengineered neural networks that better mimic the structure and function of brain microcircuits. These networks, established from human iPSC-derived neurons, will be studied throughout their development using high-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs), enabling detailed tracking of their electrical activity at high spatiotemporal resolution. You will introduce Alzheimer’s disease-related pathology into the networks and investigate how it alters connectivity, signaling patterns, and neural responses to stimulation over time. The project offers a unique opportunity to combine experimental work in cellular neuroscience with computational analysis of neural network function. Depending on your background and interests, your work can be directed more toward wet-lab techniques (e.g., cell culturing, immunostaining, confocal imaging, electrophysiology) or toward data analysis and modeling (e.g., signal processing, graph theory, information theory).
Keywords
Neuroengineering, Neurodegenerative Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, iPSC-derived Neurons, Bioengineered Neural Networks, Microfluidics, Microelectrode Array, Electrophysiology, Neural Network Analysis, Graph theory, information theory, Neural plasticity, In Vitro Disease Modeling, Stem Cell Technology.
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Semester Project , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-04-29 , Earliest start: 2025-05-01 , Latest end: 2027-03-31
Applications limited to ETH Zurich
Organization Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB)
Hosts Winter-Hjelm Nicolai
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Biology , Physics