A novel approach to enhance bone regeneration provided by transplantation of bone marrow derived cells involves rapid concentration and selection of the osteoblastic progenitor population in the graft using selective attachment to the matrix surface. MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) technology and related microfabrication techniques can be used to create precisely defined surface microscale topographies that can selectively stimulate cells on the surface of scaffolds to enhance osteoprogenitor cell growth and subsequent bone formation. The goal of this project is to investigate the influence of precise defined surface topographies on osteogenesis in vitro and in vivo by examining the proliferation and differentiation characteristics of a class of adult stem cells and their progeny, collectively known as bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC). BMSCs, discovered by Dr. Darwin Prockop of the Texas A&M College of Medicine Institute for Regenerative Medicine, retain the potential to differentiate into multiple tissue types and have been found to play a major role in ameliorating tissue inflammation and injury.
Project end date: 02/24/12