Photopolymerizable Gelatin-based
Hydrogels for Three-Dimensional Culture of Valvular
Interstitial Cells
Hydrogels provide a unique platform for three-dimensional
cell culture and the eventual evolution of tissues. Their high water content,
tissue-like elasticity, and ability to permit cell imaging techniques in 3D
combine to make these systems vital in the highly interdisciplinary field of
tissue engineering. My project in Dr. Kristi Anseth’s laboratory seeks to
systematically investigate the role of gel structure and chemical-makeup at
multiple scales in dictating cellular function. By tuning network porosity at
the molecular- and meso scales (via incorporation of poly(ethylene glycol) and
chemically-modified photopolymerizable gelatin, respectively), it is possible to
control cell spreading and migration throughout the matrix. I am interested in
applying these materials to valvular interstitial cells (VICs), the primary cell
type of the human heart valve for which no notable tissue engineering platform
previously exists. These cells are not well understood as they cannot be
properly characterized in the absence of a 3D matrix and an inherent activation
on 2D surfaces. Gelatin, which is derived from collagen, contains structural
motifs that promote VIC attachment, and ultimately appropriate cell viability
while providing adequate mechanical support. I am interested in characterizing
the role of gel degradation, via local enzyme secretion, and structure
on VIC migration, proliferation, and activation. This will be done by relating
structural information obtained from biophysical characterization techniques
(such as SEM, TEM, NMR, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and photorheology) to that
from cell-based assays (immunohistological imaging, Western blotting, RT-PCR)
for VICS in the aforementioned photopolymerizable materials.
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