Exploring The Integration of 3D Mechanical and Chemical Cues to Direct Mesenchymal Stem Cell Fate

Stem cell behaviour is intricately regulated by the physical and biochemical properties of their microenvironment, yet the integration of these cues in guiding mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) function in bone regeneration remains poorly understood. This interdisciplinary project aims to address a critical gap in understanding how three-dimensional mechanical and chemical cues together regulate MSCs behaviour, particularly in bone regeneration. Addressing this knowledge gap is crucial, since diseases like osteoporosis and cancer significantly disrupt the mechanical properties of tissues, affecting their capacity to support proper cell function and regeneration.

By integrating advancements in tissue engineering and materials science, the student will develop a novel hybrid system combining topographically-patterned polymeric microparticles and bioactive peptide hydrogels. The overarching aim of this project is to explore how these combined signals influence MSCs self-renewal and differentiation. Building on research from Dr Amer's lab on designing cell-instructive biomaterials to drive MSCs differentiation, and Prof. Saiani's work on self-assembling peptide hydrogels, the student will design and characterise hybrid systems to determine the influence of individual and combined topographical and chemical signals on MSCs behaviour - using advanced techniques such as electron microscopy, biochemical assays, and -omics. Findings from this interdisciplinary research project will provide insights into the use of biophysical cues for the manipulation of stem cell fate for regenerative medicine applications