Tools for rapid screening of 3D composite materials and optimization of cell behavior
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Authors
Bertucci, Christopher Peter
Issue Date
2016-12
Type
Electronic thesis
Thesis
Thesis
Language
ENG
Keywords
Biomedical engineering
Alternative Title
Abstract
In this thesis work, the peripheral nerve was used as a model representation to evaluate the platform. Both glial cells (Schwann cells) or neurons were cultured in collagen type I hydrogels and screened for Schwann cell spreading and changes in Schwann cell number and morphology per cell or neurite outgrowth and number in response to specific combinations of extracellular matrix and growth factor inputs. Specifically, using the most abundant elements within Matrigel as a basis for compositions were screened to identify primary components for neural and non-neural growth. After identification of biomaterials that support Schwann cell and neuron metrics, growth factors were screened combinatorically to identify any potential synergistic effects. Ultimately, this system can provide researchers a tool to better identify cost-effective combinations of candidate bio-factors that support growth of all cell types and cell-specific metrics.
Description
December 2016
School of Engineering
School of Engineering
Full Citation
Publisher
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY