Tensile forces influence a variety of important cellular processes including cell division, stem cell differentiation and gene expression.
At the tissue level these forces play a crucial role in morphogenesis, wound healing, the immune response and in pathological processes such as cancer metastasis. However, our understanding of how force influences cell function is very limited due to a lack of techniques to measure force within live tissue. To date, genetically encoded tension sensors have been developed, but their use in whole tissues has so far been limited. One reason for this limited use is the low sensitivity of current in vivo tension sensors. At the molecular level, the unique ability of mechanical force to distort, bend and stretch chemical bonds has led to the development of mechanochromic molecules acting as spatially sensitive molecular probes or micro-crack sensors in synthetic materials.
Chemical mechanosensors offer a potentially powerful solution to this problem but have yet to be translated into biological systems. Here we will take a multidisciplinary approach to bridge this gap and aim to develop and test novel chemical force sensors suitable for measuring tensile forces at cellular/tissue level.
The goals of this project are:
- The creation of new mechanochromophores that can be used as force sensors in a biological context
- Determine how physicochemical parameters influence mechanochromophore activation and fluorescence.
- Demonstrate the performance of selected mechanochromophores using human cells as a biological model system.
The postgraduate researcher (PGR) will be trained by means of a training-through-research model by:
- Prof. De Bo and senior members of the De Bo group on mechanochemistry and various aspects of organic and polymer chemistry.
- Dr Amer and senior members of the Amer group on cell culture, confocal microscopy, and force microscopy.
The project offers distinctive, highly interdisciplinary training, and is particularly suited to students interested in working at the interface between chemistry and regenerative biology. It is supported by a strong research environment and complementary expertise in mechanochemistry and mechanobiology. The De Bo group has an extensive track record in student training, publication, and the development of innovative mechanoresponsive molecules. 3-4 The Amer group has a strong multidisciplinary track-record in engineering 3D cell-matrix interfaces using micro-engineered biomaterials, advanced imaging and molecular readouts. 5-6 The project benefits from an established collaboration between the De Bo and Amer groups. The proximity of the two laboratories enables routine transfer of samples, sharing of experimental methods, and access to complementary expertise across mechanochemistry and mechanobiology. In addition to the daily interactions with Prof. De Bo and the rest of the group, the PGR student will also meet Prof. De Bo during one-on-one weekly meetings. The PGR will also present his recent research or literature findings during group meetings, produce monthly written reports, and subsequently meet with the entire supervisory team to discuss the progress of the project.
This project is expected to start in September 2027.
Before you apply: You should contact the project supervisors to learn more about the project and discuss whether it may be suitable for you.
How to apply:
To be considered for this project, you must submit a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account, use this link to open an application for FSE PhD President's Doctoral Scholarship. If you do not yet have an applicant account, follow the account setup instructions. Once your account is set up, use this link to open an application for this programme.
When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing your motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.
We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder.
Eligibility: Applicants are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry. Research experience in synthetic organic chemistry is desirable.
FSE_PDS
Funding Notes
Funding covers tuition fees, an annual stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (currently £21,805 per year) plus £1,000/annum enhancement, and a research training support grant of up to £20,000 for the full 4-year programme.
References
(1) Müller et al. Nat. Nanotechnol. 2026, 21, 761–771.
(2) Qian et al. Chem. Rev. 2026, 126, 3125–3223.
(3) De Bo et al. Nature 2024, 628, 320–325.
(4) De Bo et al. Nat. Chem. 2020, 12, 826–831.
(5) Amer et al. Adv. Healthc. Mater. 2026, 15, e04865.
(6) Amer et al. Biomater. Adv. 2023, 154, 213652.
