Physical Characterisation of Hydrostatic Force on Mesenchymal Stem Cells Using a Tailored Hydrostatic Force Bio-reactor
PhD Supervisor(s): Alicia El haj, James Henstock, Dr Yvonne Reinwald
Contact Email:j.price@keele.ac.uk
Undergraduate Degree: Physics (Swansea University)
PhD Summary
Mesenchymal stem cells hold great promise for autologous cell therapies due to their potential in creating multiple cell types. Recent interest has developed in the use of specialised bio-reactors for use in conditioning hMSC’s seeded scaffolds using hydrostatic force. Such conditioned scaffolds hold potential for repair in a clinical setting for bone and cartilage defects. With a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms that promote development of bone and cartilage like cells from hMSC’s exposed to cyclic hydrostatic pressure, one can better understand the requirements for efficacious therapies that could potentially treat a range of different disorders.
My work current involves creating a further understanding of cell-matrix interactions and Osteochondral maturation in 3D culture systems under mechanical force, the identification of mechanisms of mechanotranduction, whilst incorporating cellular sensory mechanisms and intracellular signalling pathways that lead to Osteochondral differentiation in hMSC’s exposed to mechanical force. Further work include optimising environmental conditions under which HP can most effectively stimulate bone and cartilage formation in vitro.
Skills & Techniques
