biomaterials for cell culture
To support fabrication of our in vitro models, we have been functionalizing natural biomaterials with bioactive peptides and crosslinking handles. Our workhorse material is gelatin functionalized with peptide epitopes from type-1 cadherins, which we are using to develop integrated systems of neural cells and blood vessels. Our first-generation material (termed GelMA-Cad) has demonstrated a remarkable ability to support the survival and synaptic integration of iPSC-derived neurons, even at low encapsulation densities. We are now using GelMA-Cad and newer variants to improve the differentiation and fabrication of neurovascular structures that possess biomimetic architectures and robust function.
Relevant contacts
Brian O’Grady, Lexi Yates, Lauren Drake, Andrew Kjar, Rachel Moen
Relevant publications