Bone growth on tailored biomimetic surfaces
EMSL Project ID
19839
Abstract
Bone is a natural composite material comprising cells, mainly osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes in a mineralized matrix made up mostly of hydroxyapatite and type-I collagen. One major barrier in understanding bone physiology at the cellular level is the lack of methodology to study bone cells in their native environment. In this proposal we employ chemical and physical nanoscience/technology methods to emulate physiological cell culture substrates to conduct innovative and unique studies with bone cells.The bone cell signaling from the chemical, 2D and 3D topography, crystalline order and density of ligand molecules will be investigated by preparing cell culture substrates with defined properties. The substrates will be produced by combining atomic layer deposition, successive ionic layer adsorption, electro-spinning, and sputter deposition with MeV ion beam and electron beam lithography. Films and structures will be characterized using nanoscale techniques such as atomic force microscopy and ion beam analysis.
This work brings together researchers from groups with strong competence from precisely defined nanometer thin-film deposition, surface modification and patterning with accelerators, and biomedicine to develop innovative tools for new research into the mechanism and function of bone cells. This work will produce knowledge for a thorough understanding of the factors regulating the physiology of bone cells. The mechanisms by which regulatory factors influence their function and the manner in which these cells communicate with each other is central to the design of rational strategies to treat bone diseases such as osteoporosis.
Project Details
Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2006-08-01
End Date
2009-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members