Gelation Under Flow for Biomimetic Capsules

**Gelation under flow for biomimetic capsules**:

- Réf **ABG-133195**
- Sujet de Thèse
- 22/08/2025
- Autre financement public
- Laboratoire Rhéologie et Procédés
- Lieu de travail- Grenoble - Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes - France
- Intitulé du sujet- Gelation under flow for biomimetic capsules
- Champs scientifiques- Physique
- Mots clés- soft matter, rheology, flow, gel

**Description du sujet**:
**Description of the thesis topic**

As part of a project based on the concept of biomimicry, this PhD aims to investigate the mechanisms of gelation under flow and to exploit them to design biosourced microcapsules with original properties — particularly in terms of mechanical resistance and controlled remodeling.

This research follows a bio-inspired strategy, aiming to replicate the remarkable behavior of plant cell walls, which can both withstand high osmotic pressures and dynamically remodel themselves in response to enzymatic action. The project will focus on the use of natural polymers derived from biomass (such as pectin, cellulose, and hemicellulose).
- Activities and Methodology_
Development of experimental setups in (micro-)fluidics
Implementation of microscopy techniques (including confocal) and microrheology
Structural and mechanical characterization of the gels
Data analysis (using Python or equivalent tools)
Literature review and documentation of experimental protocols
Dissemination of results through scientific publications and conference presentations
Participation in interdisciplinary activities within the WallMat (ANR) and PEPR B-BEST projects
Writing and defense of a PhD dissertation at Université Grenoble Alpes

**Prise de fonction**:

- 01/11/2025

**Nature du financement**:

- Autre financement public

**Précisions sur le financement**:

- ANR WallMat

**Présentation établissement et labo d'accueil**:

- Laboratoire Rhéologie et Procédés

The PhD student will work within a dynamic collaboration between the Laboratory of Rheology and Processes (LRP) and the Centre for Research on Plant Macromolecules (CERMAV), both located on the university campus in Grenoble.

The CERMAV, a recognized center of excellence in glycosciences, conducts cutting-edge research on polysaccharide-based materials and biopolymers.
Both laboratories are equipped with advanced instrumentation in rheology, microscopy, microfluidics, and physico-chemical characterization, providing an ideal environment for this interdisciplinary project.

The PhD will be jointly supervised by Clément de Loubens (LRP), Laurent Heux (CERMAV), and Hugues Bodiguel (LRP), and will involve close interaction with partners of the WallMat project (PEPR B-BEST), particularly with the team of Jérôme Pelloux (Université de Picardie Jules Verne), specialists in plant cell wall remodeling enzymes.

In the context of a growing need for renewable and bio-based materials, and as part of the PEPR B-BEST initiative (Biomass, Biotechnology and Sustainable Technologies for Chemistry and Fuels), this PhD project is embedded in the WallMat consortium

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

**Site web**:

- Expected skills_
Education: Master's degree or engineering diploma in fluid mechanics, soft matter physics, materials science, or related fields
Strong interest in experimentation and in developing new experimental tools
Solid skills in data analysis and result interpretation
Proficiency in scientific English (written and oral)- 12/09/2025