Flow mediated control of chemically graded scaffolds

The aim of this project is to create collagen structures containing a range of chemical and physical cues in order to influence cell behaviour. Collagen is an attractive material for tissue engineering as it offers a variety of advantages such as high biocompatibility and versatility. The properties of these structures are key to their function, with suitable mechanics, chemistry and biological activity being required. Appropriate cell activity is a key feature, and to achieve this, tailoring of the properties is required to provide sufficient cues to affect cell behaviour. For certain applications, such as nerve guides, directed cell migration and alignment are highly desirable. This project focusses on then novel use of gradients to provide cues that encourage cell movement in specific directions. New methods to create physical and chemical gradients in collagen films and scaffolds will be developed and the subsequent effect on cells evaluated. Possible types of gradients include gradients in crosslinking, stiffness, composition and peptides. This project is relevant to the Healthcare Technologies research areas of the EPSRC.