Mechanical Characterization of Photopatterned Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering

Keywords: Hydrogels, mechanobiology, extracellular matrix, microphysiological systems
Duration: 6 months starting January/February 2026
Location: LAAS-CNRS Toulouse – ELiA and TEAM groups

Context

The in vitro reconstruction of functional tissues capable of reproducing the complexity of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a major challenge in biology and health. These tissue microenvironments are governed by a combination of mechanical, topographical, and biochemical signals.
The physical properties of the ECM — stiffness, viscoelasticity, porosity, degradability — directly influence morphogenesis, differentiation, and cellular functions.

Hydrogels are ideal materials to mimic the ECM thanks to their biocompatibility and their ability to be structured and functionalized. Microfabrication and microtechnology approaches make it possible to tune their mechanical and architectural properties, paving the way for the design of microphysiological systems that can reproduce tissue functions in a controlled manner.

However, mastering and finely characterizing the mechanical and transport properties of these materials remains a key bottleneck for the creation of biologically relevant models.

As part of the PEPR MEDOOC project, which aims to develop organ-on-chip microphysiological systems, our team is developing three-dimensionally structured hydrogel matrices with controlled mechanical and topographical properties. These materials are used to study cell organization and tissue dynamics in in vitro intestinal models.

We aim to couple these hydrogels with innovative photopolymerization technologies, using the Primo system (Alvéole), which enables 3D structuring of the mechanical and topological properties of materials to create biomimetic tissue models.

The goal of this internship is to develop and characterize 3D-photopolymerized structured hydrogels intended for integration into microphysiological systems. This work is part of a broader effort in tissue microenvironment engineering, seeking to understand how the mechanical and structural properties of the ECM influence cell organization and behavior.

The intern will take part in the structuring of hydrogels through molding and photopolymerization to generate controlled architectures and stiffness levels. They will also contribute to the development of characterization protocols, combining mechanical measurements (micro-indentation, AFM, rheology) to assess material properties, and microscopy techniques to monitor the structural evolution of the gels.

Through this project, the intern will be trained in 3D photopolymerization, materials characterization, mechanical testing, and imaging techniques.

Required Skills

• Background in mechanics or materials science
• Strong interest in experimental work and interdisciplinary research
• Interest in microscopy and image analysis techniques
• Rigor, methodology, and organizational skills

Application

Send your CV and cover letter to Marie Hut ( ), Laurent Malaquin ( ), and Daniel Ferri-Angulo ( ).