Micro-patterned polymer substrates as novel models of epidermal wound healing

拟议的研究将开发一种新型的皮肤内伤口愈合体外模型。我们将采用最先进的微制造技术来创造培养人类角质形成细胞的工程基板。这项技术将使我们能够精确控制伤口环境的多个参数。具体来说，我们将确定伤口的组成，几何形状和刚度如何影响细胞行为。此外，我们将研究调节细胞对这些不同环境的反应的分子信号通路。该项目有可能为人类皮肤细胞在伤口愈合过程中如何感知和响应外部信号提供重要见解。此外，该模型系统可能是未来细胞生物学研究、药物筛选和其他类型转化研究的有力工具。

The proposed research will develop a novel in vitro model of wound healing within the skin. We will employ state-of-the-art micro-fabrication techniques to create engineered substrates for culturing human keratinocytes. This technology will allow us to precisely control multiple parameters of the wound environment. Specifically, we will determine how the composition, geometry, and stiffness of the wound influence cell behaviour. In addition, we will examine the molecular signalling pathways that regulate the cellular responses to these different environments. This project has the potential to provide significant insights into how human skin cells sense and respond to extrinsic signals during the wound healing process. Moreover, this model system may be a powerful tool for future cell biology studies, drug screening, and other types of translational research.