|
Current Activities: My current research involves the design and characterization of a polymer scaffold that enables chondrogenesis of mesenchymal progenitor cells. During chondrogenesis (formation of articular cartilage), mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) differentiate to become chondrocytes, which then synthesize all of the materials required to form the intricate extracellular matrix of which cartilage is comprised. Many scaffolds have been explored for their potential usefulness in tissue engineering of cartilage, including derivatives of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), but the production of clinically useful load-bearing cartilage with sufficient matrix materials remains an issue. To address this problem, I´ve developed a photopolymerizable semi-interpenetrating network composed of both PEO and PEO derivatives in which mesenchymal progenitor cells achieve extensive chondrogenic differentiation for clinical use. Using histology and immunohistochemistry techniques, I've been able to demontrate facilitated chondrogenic differentiation in an in vivo culture for up to 6 weeks. Furthermore, I've been able to quantify uniform cellular survival and loading of collagen, proteoglycan, and DNA production, and the production of an extensive cartilaginous extracellular matrix throughout the scaffold. The opportunities to perform such a variety of biomedical engineering studies has really facilitated my research, and has also be a very rewarding research career experience.
Why Case? I came here because of the strength of the Biomaterials program, and because the department as a whole is exceptional.
Advice for Applicants: INSERT TEXT HERE.
|
