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Tissue Engineering

Microparticles transplanted into rat cells.

A three dimensional porous matrix used to culture neural stem cells.

Faculty: Anseth, Bryant, Mahoney

Tissue engineering research focuses on the development of new approaches for regenerating damaged or diseased tissues. In particular, research efforts in this department focus on cartilage regeneration, heart valve replacement, transplantation therapy for diabetes, and regeneration in the central nervous system. One major approach investigated within this department involves the development of implantable synthetic materials that are chemically programmed to control the function of encapsulated cells, as tissue forms throughout the synthetic environment. Ongoing collaborations within investigators at the University of Colorado Health Science Center are in progress to test the functionality of these materials in animal models of disease. While a large part of our research aims at regenerating damaged tissue, we are also interested in developing a fundamental understanding of the relationship between material properties and cell behavior within three-dimensional materials. Core areas of tissue engineering research in this department include:

• Cartilaginous tissue replacement
• Influence of Compressive Strain on Chondrocyte Function
• Heart Valve Replacement
• Pancreatic Cell Transplantation
• Neural Tissue Regeneration