Project cell biomechanics can lead to the improvement of medical devices and tissue engineering scaffolds
The aim of the current research is to develop a temperature-sensitive polymer substrate with a shape memory that could be programmed to change the shape of the cells in conditions compatible. Shape memory polymers (SMP) are a class of smart materials that can pass between the two forms of command, from a fixed (temporary) shape for a predetermined constant, a trigger, such as a change in temperature.Applying the principles of shape memory offers possible solutions to the current limitations of research on bioengineering research in the static substrate, such as medical devices and tissue engineering scaffolds. For the first time, we have shown that this general concept can be successfully used with the cells, suggesting that it may be extended to a number of biomaterials that could be used for scaffolding and many other applications, said Davis. Like most of the scaffolds are made of polymers, Henderson is considered an appointment with the PMC to create scaffolds that can extend into the body, allowing less invasive surgery.
Most cells in biomechanics research has examined the behavior of cells of the unchanging, flat surfaces. Living cells are extremely complicated, dynamic and versatile, but the material of the substrate used to culture them are not, said Henderson. We wanted to give a powerful new tool for biologists and bioengineers.
After verifying that the cells remained viable on the substrate, Davis went on to review changes in the alignment of cells on the surface that results from changes in the topography. Davis scheduled a substrate that SMP has a grooved surface of the micron scale for a smooth surface. The supports were then placed in an incubator at 37 ° C, which was the transition temperature for the substrate to obtain a smooth surface. After recovery of the shape memory, the cells were observed to be oriented randomly on the substrate.
This research project to determine whether the cells could remain viable with a change in the topography of the substrate and to determine whether the cells have responded to this change. The next phase of this research is to move from a substrate on a substrate of 2D and 3D cell viability to be examined. In addition, Henderson’s team will look what is happening within cells in response to changes in topography.
A team led by James Henderson, assistant professor of chemical engineering and biomedical engineering at Syracuse University LC Smith College of Engineering and Computer scientist (LCS) and biomaterials at the Institute of Syracuse, shape memory polymers used to provide a better understanding and a sense of how cells respond to their physical environment.
