The Influence of Collagen Structure and Surface Biochemistry on Cell Function and Angiogenesis

This project will comprise a systematic study of these challenges with regard to angiogenesis in ice templated scaffolds for bone regeneration, exploring the interplay between surface biochemistry and material structure to achieve an optimised cellular response.

The initial step of this project involves the design and fabrication of ice templated scaffolds. The effect of mould design, directly applied heat sources and heat sinks will be used to tailor the scaffold structure. Ice nucleation will be controlled by the selective introduction of nucleation sites at specific mould positions to control pore structure and directionality. The scaffold architecture will be visualised and characterised by SEM and micro-CT for understanding as well as adjusting the key parameters such as pore size, interconnectivity and homogeneity of scaffold architecture with regard to the aimed application. Relevant in-vitro cell culture techniques will be used to assess the influence of the structural parameters on cell growth and migration.

Secondly, a co-culture system with an appropriate ratio of osteoblasts and endothelial cells needs to be established in order to vascularise the produced scaffolds. A suitable assessment of the relationship between length and diameter of formed capillaries and the structural key parameters of scaffolds will be carried out.

Finally, the influence of EDC treatment of the scaffolds on angiogenesis and cell function will be evaluated to establish an optimal cross-linking level which allows improved angiogenesis and provides appropriate structural stability of the scaffolds.