Thesis Abstract and Dissertation Abstracts
A Microengineering Approach to Tissue Engineering
Abstract Category: Science
Course / Degree: Tissue Engineernig
Institution / University: University of Dundee, United Kingdom
Published in: 2003
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a molecular complex that consists of collagen, hyaluronic acid, proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans and elastins. Much of the knowledge that has allowed advancements in tissue substitutes has come from investigations into the mechanisms of wound healing and the interaction between cells and the ECM.
A major impediment to the development of hybrid living/non-living materials is the design of structures that maintain the stability of the interface between cell and substrate. In response to external stimuli, such as physical adsorption, cells often modify their cell surface molecules to promote new biological interactions. Mechanisms must be found to allow living cells to be tethered to biopolymeric materials without compromising either the physiologic functions of the cells or the structural integrity of the substrate.
This study combines poly(lactic acid) and poly(ethylene glycol) with biotin to form PLA-PEG-Biotin. This is used a substrate onto which micropatterns of Avidin-FITC are stamped via a soft lithographic process. Biotin is a small molecule (vitamin H) and can be conjugated to many proteins without significantly altering the biological activity of the protein. Avidin is a protein that contains four identical subunits, each of which binds one molecule of biotin. Using soft lithographic methods, micro-patterns of avidin were created by micro-contact printing (µCP) from a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamp to the PLA-PEG-Biotin substrate. Human FsF44 cells were then biotinylated and encouraged to bind non-covalently to the avidin micro-patterns by incubation at 37°C and 5% CO2 for 24 hours.
A considerable amount is known regarding the molecular mechanisms by which cytokines (inter-cell signalling molecules) affect cell behaviour. In contrast to the well-recognised regulatory role played by cytokines, matrix macromolecules have until relatively recently been considered to fulfil a strictly structural function restricted to providing a scaffold for cell migration and maintaining tissue physical integrity. It is, however, now clear that common matrix constituents (such as collagen and fibronectin) also elicit intracellular signal pathways as a result of their binding by specific cell surface receptors belonging to the integrin family.
Thesis Keywords/Search Tags:
Extracellular Matrix, Poly(lactic acid), Poly(ethylene glycol), Biotin, Avidin, Polydimethylsiloxane, Soft lithography, Cytokines, Collagen
This Thesis Abstract may be cited as follows:
Armoogum, K. A. "A Microengineering Approach to Tissue Engineering." MSc Thesis (2003). University of Dundee, UK
Submission Details: Thesis Abstract submitted by Kris Armoogum from United Kingdom on 09-Sep-2004 18:29.
Abstract has been viewed 3153 times (since 7 Mar 2010).
Kris Armoogum Contact Details: Email: KArmoogum@netscape.net
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