Whitaker International Fellow, 2008-09

Home Institution: Oregon Health&Science University

Host Country, Institution: Australia, University of Queensland

Project Title: Engineering Bioactive Surfaces for Stem Cell Self-Renewal and Maintenance

Project Abstract:

Multipotent hematopoietic (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are promising cell sources for biomedical engineering applications. Together, these cells represent a pool of cells able to differentiate into all of the cell types of the vascular system. Therefore, successful control of HSC, MSC, and ESC culture has the potential to dramatically impact the field of vascular engineering and beyond. While FDA-approved culture conditions for HSC exists, self-renewal of HSCs in vitro has proven problematic, thus limiting therapeutic application. Meanwhile, ESC and MSC culture conditions remain insufficient for in vivo human applications. In this study, we will engineer surfaces using previously synthesized biomolecules for stem cell expansion, maintenance and differentiation. The primary goals are to optimize bioactive surfaces with defined soluble factors for both HSC self-renewal and ESC maintenance.