Towards 4d bioprinting: encoding stimuli-triggered shape-morphing behavior in printable hydrogels

Towards 4D Bioprinting: Encoding Stimuli-Triggered Shape-Morphing Behavior in Printable Hydrogels


Réf ABG-135670

Sujet de Thèse

13/02/2026

Contrat doctoral

CEntre de Recherche sur les MAcromolécules Végétales - CNRS, Grenoble (38 - France))

Lieu de travail

Grenoble - Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes - France

Intitulé du sujet

Towards 4D Bioprinting: Encoding Stimuli-Triggered Shape-Morphing Behavior in Printable Hydrogels

Champs scientifiques

* Matériaux
* Chimie
* Matériaux

Mots clés

hydrogels, polysaccharides, 4D bioprinting, smart materials


Description du sujet


In tissue engineering, a major challenge is the development of materials for 4D bioprinting, i.e.materials that not only serve as scaffolds for living cells and are printable but also dynamically change shape in response to external stimuli. Our team has recently engineered a hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel crosslinked via dynamic covalent bonds, which is compatible with extrusion printing and shows promise as a cellular scaffold. The goal of this PhD project is to transform this 3D-printable hydrogel into a stimuli-responsive, shape-morphing material for 4D bioprinting.

To achieve this, we will focus on precisely controlling the hydrogel's swelling behavior post-printing. Our approach combines two complementary strategies. First, we will graft thermoresponsive polymers onto the hyaluronic acid chains, rendering the hydrogel temperature-sensitive. Above the polymer's phase transition temperature, the gel will deswell, enabling controlled swelling after printing. Second, we will incorporate biocompatible microfibers into the hydrogel. During extrusion printing, these fibers can be aligned, which influence the direction of the swelling/deswelling phenomenon. By printing constructs with varying fiber orientations, we can create domains that swell in different directions, generating mechanical stresses that induce shape changes.

By combining these approaches, we aim to develop advanced hydrogel systems for 4D bioprinting. As a proof of concept, we will design synthetic vascular tissues for the reinforcement or replacement of damaged vessels. Endothelial cell-laden hydrogels will be printed into designs that can adopt the targeted shape in situ upon integration into the body at 37°C.

This project will give the student practical experience in the chemical modification of polymers, the design and characterization of soft biomaterials as well as an experience with cell manipulation. The experimental work will cover the synthesis of components, the preparation and characterization of complex hydrogel systems, the 3D printing and analysis of their shape-morphing behavior and the evaluation of the cytocompatibility.


Prise de fonction :


01/10/2026


Nature du financement


Contrat doctoral


Précisions sur le financement


Funding is to be awarded after selection process for the Doctoral School of Grenoble Alpes University


Présentation établissement et labo d'accueil


CEntre de Recherche sur les MAcromolécules Végétales - CNRS, Grenoble (38 - France))

The internship will take place in the CERMAV Laboratory in Grenoble, France. The CERMAV is a leading research center in the field of natural polymer. More specifically, the candidate will work in the team "Structure and Modification of Polysaccharides" which employs modified polysaccharide molecules to design innovative materials for biomedical applications.


Site web :



Intitulé du doctorat


Doctorat en Physico-chimie des Polymères et Matériaux


Pays d'obtention du doctorat


France


Etablissement délivrant le doctorat


UNIVERSITE GRENOBLE ALPES


Ecole doctorale


Chimie et sciences du vivant


Profil du candidat


The candidate should have strong knowledge in polymer chemistry and physical chemistry. They should be curious, proactive in facing technical challenges, and interested in "smart materials." Good writing skills and work organization are also essential for the successful completion of this project.

Date limite de candidature

03/03/2026