M2/3A Internship: Development of New Copolymers for 3D Printing of Tissue Regeneration Scaffolds
Keywords
Lipids, polymers, photopolymerization, 3D printing, material processing and property characterization
Project Description
We have recently developed a new family of photosensitive copolymers based on vegetable oil and polylactic acid (PLA), referred to as H-PLA-MA. The presence of photosensitive functional groups in these materials opens up opportunities for their use in additive manufacturing by photopolymerization, particularly through Digital Light Processing (DLP).
The aim of this internship is to investigate the potential of these new copolymers for the fabrication of 3D structures by photopolymerization and to establish relationships between formulation, printing conditions, structure, and the properties of the resulting materials.
DLP technology enables the fabrication of both simple and complex 3D architectures, such as menisci. However, the quality of printed objects strongly depends on the physicochemical properties of the formulation and the processing parameters. The project will therefore focus on optimizing H-PLA-MA formulations and printing conditions to improve the resolution, reproducibility, and dimensional stability of the resulting structures.
A second approach will focus on the fabrication of porous structures from microgels. Such architectures could be particularly relevant for applications in which porosity and available surface area are key parameters, including tissue regeneration scaffolds. The internship will therefore involve developing microgel production by microfluidics, followed by their assembly using extrusion-based printing and UV photopolymerization.
Finally, the resulting structures will be characterized to establish relationships between their fabrication conditions and properties. Depending on the progress of the project, several properties may be investigated, including mechanical properties, degradation, and cell colonization.
Student Missions
During the internship, your work will focus on three main areas:
1. Copolymer synthesis and functionalization (WP1)
- Synthesis of H-PLA-MA copolymers
- Functionalization and characterization of the materials
2. Additive manufacturing by photopolymerization (WP2)
- Formulation of photosensitive resins
- Development and optimization of DLP printing
- Fabrication of 3D structures with simple and complex geometries
- Investigation of the influence of printing parameters on the characteristics of the resulting objects
- Characterization of mechanical properties and degradability
3. Fabrication of microgel-based structures (WP3)
- Production of microgels by microfluidics
- Development of their extrusion-based printing
- Characterization of the resulting porous structures and investigation of their properties
This internship will provide the opportunity to develop a multidisciplinary approach at the interface of polymer chemistry, additive manufacturing, and biomaterials.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a Master’s (M2) student or a final-year engineering student with an interest in polymer materials and interdisciplinary experimental approaches.
Training or knowledge in the following areas would be appreciated:
- polymer chemistry and physicochemistry;
- polymer and material characterization;
- 3D printing and photopolymerization;
- biomedical applications.
Above all, we are looking for a rigorous, independent, and curious candidate who is comfortable with experimental work, from material preparation to data analysis and interpretation.
Practical Information
Starting date: January/February 2027
Host Institute: Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM – UMR CNRS 5247 – University of Montpellier – ENSCM)
Research Team: Polymers for Health and Biomaterials (PHBM)
Internship location:
Pôle Chimie Balard
1919 route de Mende
34090 Montpellier, France
Supervisors – Contact:
How to Apply
Applicants are invited to send their CV, cover letter, academic transcripts from the past two years, as well as the names and email addresses of three referees, by October 15, 2026, to: