Smart Biomaterials for neural tissue engineering applications
Lead Research Organisation:
Loughborough University
Department Name: School of Science
Abstract
This project is part of an ambitious 5-student centre for doctoral training at Loughborough University within the area of brain-on-a-chip technology.
There is an urgent need for research into neurodegenerative disease, however our lack of understanding of complex brain circuitry restricts modelling and evaluation for future healthcare strategies. The cellular architecture of neural tissue is of key importance for its function. Any future surgical intervention to deliver tissue engineered neural tissue will need to ensure manipulation of this delicate tissue without compromising cell viability or connectivity. Compromise of either cellular viability or tissue architecture will affect performance of any such regenerative medicine approach.
This project specifically focuses on the development of novel smart materials which will ensure support and easy handling of highly organised neuronal circuits cultured in 3D. Approaches will also investigate the potential of these materials for delivery of the tissue (e.g. to a transplant site) with attention on whole tissue function rather than only at the single cell level.
There is an urgent need for research into neurodegenerative disease, however our lack of understanding of complex brain circuitry restricts modelling and evaluation for future healthcare strategies. The cellular architecture of neural tissue is of key importance for its function. Any future surgical intervention to deliver tissue engineered neural tissue will need to ensure manipulation of this delicate tissue without compromising cell viability or connectivity. Compromise of either cellular viability or tissue architecture will affect performance of any such regenerative medicine approach.
This project specifically focuses on the development of novel smart materials which will ensure support and easy handling of highly organised neuronal circuits cultured in 3D. Approaches will also investigate the potential of these materials for delivery of the tissue (e.g. to a transplant site) with attention on whole tissue function rather than only at the single cell level.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Helen Willcock (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Jordan Roe (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509516/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1949117 | Studentship | EP/N509516/1 | 01/10/2017 | 31/08/2021 | Jordan Roe |
| Title | Scanning electron micrograph of a cross section of a hydrogel, transformed into a lenticular print. |
| Description | Scanning electron micrographs were taken of a fracture surface of a hydrogel at a fix magnification at varying levels of 'tilt', to produce a digital image that when printed and placed under a lenticular screen, produces a '3D-effect'. |
| Type Of Art | Image |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Impact | N/A. The image was used in an exhibition at the artist's university. |
| Description | Cross Cadre/ UKSB joint conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Presented digitally as part of the cross cadre/ UKSB joint conference, to communicate my current research to an audience of peers and professionals in different scientific fields. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | EPSRC and MRC Centres for Doctoral Training in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Joint Conference 2019 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | A joint conference bringing together the biomaterials and regenerative medicine researches across the UK |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | JCB school visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | 13 GCSE students along with 2 teachers of science visited the University to have practical sessions within chemistry (synthetic and analytical), physics and biology. Engagement was initiated with a talk and open discussion in the morning and follow up at lunch time. These students were selected as 'gifted and talented' with many wanting to find out more about a career in STEM. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Royal society of Chemistry biomaterials workshop (2018) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | The RSC hosted a 'Biomaterials workshop' to facilitate nation-wide post-graduates the ability to disseminate their work whilst gaining specific insight into niche techniques, taught by professionals in the area. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | https://www.rsc.org/events/detail/33618/biomaterials-characterisation-workshop-2018 |
| Description | School egnagement (JCB academy) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | - School engagement activity providing insight into GCSE and A-level students about engineering of biology. A talk to around 60 students was by individual lab sessions and mentoring of a 'design a futuristic medical device'. This even sparked questions about careers in STEM and how to progress via university, for e.g. science and maths based degress. We have since had a follow on event with the school visiting Loughborough University. The school has now launched an A-level in Biology due to increased interest in his subject post-visit. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |