Cell-matrix interactions : collagen-GAG scaffold fabrication, characterization, and measurement of cell migratory and contractile behavior via confocal microscopy

Three-dimensional, collagen scaffolds are an analog of the extracellular matrix and are used for many tissue engineering applications. While material and microstructural properties significantly affect overall scaffold bioactivity, the specific influence of construct mechanical properties, composition, and pore microstructure is unknown. In this thesis, experimental and theoretical approaches are employed to systematically examine the independent effect of extracellular features on cell behavior within a series of standardized, well-characterized, collagen-glycosaminoglycan (CG) scaffolds, providing valuable information for designing biomaterials with improved physiological relevance. This thesis also aims to provide experimental and theoretical approaches appropriate for characterizing and describing a wide range of porous biomaterials and for quantifying the effect of extracellular cues on cell behavior within these biomaterials. CG scaffolds are fabricated via freeze drying. Novel thermal processing conditions were developed to produce two homologous series of uniform, mechanically isotropic CG scaffolds, one with varying pore size and constant stiffness and the other with constant pore size and varying stiffness.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2006

Author dc:creator

• Harley, Brendan A. (Brendan Andrew), 1978-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Lorna J. Gibson.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/35678

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/35678