Microengineered Bioactive Fibers for Fabrication of Vascularized Tissues

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Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary field that brings together researchers with backgrounds in engineering, biology, medicine, and chemistry to build tissue-like constructs for performing fundamental biological studies and predicting the allergenic or toxic potentials of novel and existing drugs. With the advent of biofabrication techniques such as electrospinning, photo patterning, and stereolithography, exciting opportunities have emerged for creating scaffolds that can provide a structure for the cells to grow and function. However, control over the mechanical properties, cellular distribution, and microarchitecture of the scaffolds still remains a critical challenge, especially for tissues with highly anisotropic properties such as cardiac tissue, skeletal muscles, and peripheral nerves. The overarching goal of this project is to develop a “bottom-up” approach, in which modules of fibers with different cellular, chemical, and physical properties will be fabricated in a microfluidic setting (Objective 1) and then assembled into higher order constructs using textile technologies such as weaving, braiding, and embroidering (Objective 2). The main rationale behind using fiber-shaped geometry is that it replicates the immense tubule network of the cardiovascular system and fibrous constructs of the musculoskeletal and peripheral nerve systems. To date, there is no technology capable of creating scaffolds that can imitate the complexities of these complex tissues. In addition, proposed platform will be used to fabricate engineered vascularized tissues to study the cell-cell interactions and vascular network formation in vitro (Objective 3). Collectively, the outcomes of this proposal will pave the path towards understanding several principle biological questions including: 1) determining the impact of physicochemical properties of fiber-shaped constructs on cellular growth and function; 2) investigating the influence of growth factors on modulating the function of surrounding cells in a spatially controllable manner; and 3) investigating the effect of specific arrangement of functional and supporting cell types, gradients of soluble or insoluble factors on the tissue function. The highly qualified personnel (HQP) trained under this research program is expected to develop multidisciplinary skills in the fields of mechanical engineering, biomaterials and biology, and to gain valuable hands-on experience in cutting-edge techniques. The trained HQP from my group will possess skills in CAD modelling, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), microfabrication, biomaterial synthesis, and cell culture, among others. Additionally, the HQP will enjoy of plenty communication and interpersonal exercise by the end of their programs. This combination of skills will facilitate our trained HQP to pursue a career in academy or in the industrial R&D sector.