Kurzfassung

Reverse thermo-responsive (RTG) polymers generate water solutions that exhibit a soluble-to-gel transition at physiological conditions and represent new biomaterials for tissue engineering applications. The goal of this project is to develop RTG-based scaffolds for tissue engineering. These scaffolds are significant in that they can be formed in situ, can release hydrophilic biomolecules and the scaffold disappears with time. We are examining various RTG displaying systems for the ability to...Reverse thermo-responsive (RTG) polymers generate water solutions that exhibit a soluble-to-gel transition at physiological conditions and represent new biomaterials for tissue engineering applications. The goal of this project is to develop RTG-based scaffolds for tissue engineering. These scaffolds are significant in that they can be formed in situ, can release hydrophilic biomolecules and the scaffold disappears with time. We are examining various RTG displaying systems for the ability to support the growth of human cells with and without the addition of cell growth and angiogenic factors. Human cells of varying cell type are added to gels of various RTG polymers and the formulation of RTG is being evaluated for the ability to support cell growth and for expression of cell-specific functions. Cell growth is being followed by vital staining with Calcein-AM and gene regulation and cell functions are being studied with the aid of RT/PCR, immunostaining, and biochemical enzyme assays. The rate of release of biomolecules is being examined by ELISA. These studies will identify formulations with the best biocompatibility and these will be used for further in vitro experiments with coculture systems of different, tissue-specific cells and for in vivo experiments in animal models.» weiterlesen» einklappen