Science / Technology - Lecture/Discussion - WPI Only
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
4:00 PM-5:00 PM
Gateway Park
GP 1002
While extensive literature has demonstrated that structure and topography impact cell function, these factors are routinely not considered in development of cell culture and regenerative medicine materials, or are addressed with simple, non-biomimetic features. This is related to incomplete understanding of the influence of biological structure on cell differentiation and lack of available technologies for creating materials with biomimetic structure and topography, especially multi-scale, irregular biological structures. We are developing novel 3D structurally biomimetic scaffolds for engineering intestine and retina, two understudied tissues in regenerative medicine in which distinct structural features of matrix (e.g., crypts and villi; sheaths surrounding cones and rods) strongly motivate study of materials with biomimetic structure. The impact of both approximate and precise biomimetic structure on cell differentiation is being analyzed. Specifically, three approaches to developing materials are being pursued: 1. lithographic techniques are being utilized to recreate micro-scale crypt-villus (micro-well – micro-pillar) unit arrays in a biopolymer membrane (intestine), 2. a novel method employing chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on native tissue is being utilized to recreate multiscale, irregular, complex features in a polymeric membrane (intestine), and 3. decellularized native tissue is being explored (retina). These approaches will enable the specific importance of different scales and degrees of complexity of structure, as well as relative significance of structure and chemistry, to be elucidated.
Suggested Audiences: Adult, College
E-mail:
bme-web@wpi.edu
Last Modified: September 24, 2012 at 3:58 PM
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