Tissue engineering is an essential part of regenerative medicine. For bone regeneration, scaffolds are used as ways for inducing stem cell proliferation/differentiation, and drug delivery. Current scaffolds are bulky and inefficient. To produce a scaffold that has improved mechanical properties and is less invasive, the scaffold used for this experiment is a hydrogel formed from
Faculty Mentor: Julianne Holloway
Electro Supn Rolled Scaffolds
The research that is being conducted for this project focuses on turning 2-dimensional electro-spun scaffolds into 3-dimensional scaffolds. Four samples at three different time values. The researcher then transformed these 2-dimensional scaffolds into 3-dimensional scaffolds by hand rolling them. The polymer used to create these scaffolds is polycaprolactone (PCL). This is a biodegradable polyester and
Improving Offset Electrospinning for the Tendon-Bone Junction
Approximately 2 million Americans experience a torn rotator cuff each year. The healthy rotator cuff is a complex tissue consisting of opposing biochemical gradients. This research aids the advancements of rotator cuff tear repairs by creating an improved resolution of a chemical gradient scaffold that mimics innate chemical properties of the tendon-bone junction. Moreover, this
Studying Osteogenesis and Mineralization within Hyperglycemic In Vitro Cell Culture Models
Better understanding the complications of type 2 diabetes will ultimately improve upon current therapies.
Effects of Spatially and Temporally Manipulated Bioactive Signals on hMSC Behavior on NorHA Hydrogels
Evaluating bone cell behavior on particular hydrogels will lead to better understanding of gene expression.
3D Printing for Spatiotemporal Control of Stem Cell Behavior
3D-printing scaffolds of cross-linked hydrogels and live cells will enable a better way to study stem cells for orthopedic applications.
Developing Novel 3D Printed Hydrogel-based Bioinks
The research team is developing a novel 3D printed hydrogel-based bioinks aimed at improving the understanding of and replicating the biochemical and biophysical cues required for musculoskeletal tissue function and prevention of further tissue degeneration. The research team has successfully assembled a working off-the-shelf 3D printer and converted it into a bioprinter capable of extruding
Chemical Gradient Fabrication through Electrospinning
Musculoskeletal diseases plague the lives of 50 percent of people over the age of 18, costing Americans 45 billion dollars per year. This research aims to create a novel technique through electrospinning and is based on creating a proper template for regeneration of tendon-bone injuries, one of the most common musculoskeletal issues. The nanofibers that
In Vitro Cell Culture Model on the Influence of Advanced Glycation End-Products and Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of osteoporotic fracture. During prolonged hyperglycemia present in diabetic microenvironments, glucose can react with proteins and/or lipids to form advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Research suggests that high levels of AGEs in bone collagen may trigger increased bone fragility and contribute to chronic
The Effects of Advanced Glycation End-Products and Type 2 Diabetes on Bone Regeneration
The goal of the study is to investigate the effects of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Currently, a process to create AGEs has been determined and will soon be implemented. Next, the AGEs will be cultured with hMSCs and analyzed using three different stains. This will give insight to diabetic
