2012- 21st Annual NC State Undergraduate Research Symposium

Session Time : 4/10/12 10:30 AM - 4/10/12 11:45 AM

Content Area : Textile Engineering, Chemistry & Science

Poster Appointment: NONE

Student Presenters :
Katherine Caroline Barefoot Polymer and Color Chemistry

Mentors and/or Co-Authors :
Julie Willoughby Textiles

Abstract Title : Intelligent Design of 3D Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering

Abstract :
Understanding the mechanical, chemical and mass transport properties that are essential to cell-surface interactions for 3D electrospun fibrous mats is a crucial step to successful tissue engineering. The goal of this research is to develop a methodology to compare “hard” materials (polylactic acid) (PLA) to “soft” materials (polydimethylsiloxanes) (PDMS) in the aforementioned properties with respect to proliferation and differentiation of human dermal fibroblasts. We designed our experiments to systematically compare 2D films and 3D nanofibers scaffolds of PLA and PDMS for variance in porosity (2D versus 3D), modulus (PLA versus PDMS) and surface chemistry. Initial results show successful cultivation of HDFs on PLA mats as compared to PLA films. The difference between PLA films and PDMS 2D films was not as distinct. Determination of the collagen coating pretreatment for each substrate is underway. This is a key factor to determining surface chemistry effects between the two polymer systems. We are also currently studying the cellular behavior on PDMS fibers, a more challenging material to produce in 3D form. Finally, we outline our experimental design to determine small molecule transport through the 3D scaffolds.