2 PhD Positions in Designing and Optimizing Materials for Bacterial-Based Sustainable Biopesticide Delivery Systems

The bioMatter Microfluidics (Dr. Eleonora Secchi, D-BAUG) and SoftMat Group (Prof. Jan Vermant, D-MATL) at ETH Zurich will host two collaborative PhD projects within the BIOMAC-BP consortium, funded by Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks HORIZON-MSCA-2023.

The heavy use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture is crucial for the food supply. However, this practice leads to significant environmental and health issues, including poisoning, environmental degradation, and the development of insecticide resistance. EU policies and the UN Sustainable Development Goals advocate for safer, more sustainable alternatives like biopesticides. However, large-scale implementation of these alternatives faces challenges related to formulation and efficacy.

The BIOMAC-BP consortium addresses the issue of synthetic pesticide use by developing sustainable biopesticide formulations. Funded by Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks HORIZON-MSCA-2023, the international consortium brings together experts from various scientific fields, including soft-matter physics, physical chemistry, chemical engineering, microbiology, biophysics and agricultural science, and combines industrial and academic perspectives. The project's main objective is to develop and optimize novel bio-sourced materials to incorporate bacteria capable of producing biopesticides, enhancing the benefits and sustainability of the formulations. This effort aims to reduce synthetic pesticide emissions, improve agricultural practices, and support a greener future for the chemical industry.

The bioMatter Microfluidics (Dr. Eleonora Secchi, D-BAUG)  and SoftMat Group (Prof. Jan Vermant, D-MATL) at ETH Zurich will host two collaborative PhD projects focused on:

• Developing energy-efficient, scalable methods for creating particle-stabilized multiphase materials as bacterial delivery systems. By utilizing advective assembler techniques and adapting vacuum foaming methods, the project seeks to control particle accumulation at interfaces in emulsions and foams. This approach will enhance the robustness and efficiency of bacterial carriers, ensuring precise control over droplet and bubble sizes. Expected outcomes include robust bacterial carrier emulsions and particle-stabilized foams, with efficient bacterial incorporation in both systems. The project will be conducted mainly in the SoftMat Group under the supervision of Prof. Jan Vermant.
• Developing polymeric sprayable gels that mimic the mechanical and adhesive properties of biofilm matrices, protecting bacterial cells from desiccation while allowing nutrient and gas exchange. The biofilms formed by the bacteria of interest will serve as an inspiration for the sprayable gel and will be characterized at the bulk and microscale using a combination of bulk rheology and microfluidics. Their material properties will then be replicated by the synthesized artificial hydrogels, specifically designed to support cell viability and foster the production of biopesticides. Additionally, microfluidics will be used to assess the hydrogels’ protective function during the spraying process. The project will be conducted mainly in the bioMatter Microfluidics Group under the supervision of Dr. Eleonora Secchi.

Ideal candidates hold an MSc degree in physics, (Chemical or materials) engineering, material science, or a related discipline and have a background in soft matter, physical chemistry, chemical or material engineering, or related fields. Experience in microbiology or biophysics is beneficial. Additionally, they are fluent in English (oral and written). They show enthusiasm for conducting original research in an interdisciplinary and international team, and strive for scientific excellence.

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