< Back to previous page

Project

Multifunctional nanoparticle-hydrogel composites for tissue engineering

In living tissues, cellular organization and functions are controlled by dynamically changing extracellular matrices (ECMs). Multifunctional and multiscale, ECMs present physico-chemical cues that stimulate the cellular functions through mechanical and biochemical interactions. Moreover, changes in matrix mechanical properties have been linked to cellular inflammation and disease, although it is unclear whether these changes are causative or rather the consequence of inflammatory processes. Therefore, understanding cell-matrix interactions is essential for the development of regenerative therapies and screening platforms, such as organ-on-chip platforms. In such systems, stimulus responsive hydrogels are emerging as promising ECM material candidates due to the similarity of their mechanical and chemical properties to those of natural matrices and due to the possibility to dynamically change these properties. This project will focus on the construction of 3D neuronal matrices based on nanocellulose-containing hydrogels, where anisotropic fiber alignment is used to direct cell polarization and growth, while conjugated optically-active nanoparticles are delivering biophysical stimuli (i.e. mechanical stress, temperature gradients) and sense cell responses. Specifically, we will incorporate inorganic nanoparticles (gold nanoparticles, quantum dots and colloidal photonic crystals) into hydrogel materials and perform in situ optical modulation of the cell and matrix properties together with activity readout. By incorporating optical nanoparticles into the hydrogel ECMs, we will apply plasmonic heating to create temperature gradients in 3D matrices. Moreover, since the size-dependent optoelectronic properties (e.g. QD photoluminescence) are influenced by physico-chemical changes (e.g. pH, voltage and temperature, ion concentrations) in their vicinity, such particles could be also used as ultrasensitive detectors of cellular signals. These technologies are very important for the development of organ-on-chip platforms that can provide more efficient and cost-effective systems that replicate better human physiology in applications such as toxicology, disease research, biomarker and drug discovery etc.

Date:23 Mar 2021 →  Today
Keywords:Nanoparticle (bio)functionalization
Disciplines:Biomaterials
Project type:PhD project