Development of Three-Dimensional Patterning Strategies for Osteochondral Tissue Engineering
PhD Supervisor(s): Kevin Shakesheff, Felicity Rose
Contact Email: m.sawkins@cavcare.org.uk
Undergraduate Degree: BA Natural Sciences (University of Cambridge)
PhD Summary
Fully-realised three-dimensional patterning strategies enable the development of heterogeneous constructs which can recreate tissue architecture and cellular microenvironments over a large range of length scales. This in turn allows the development of more effective tissue models and tissue engineering therapies. My research to date has addressed the development of such strategies and of biomaterial formulations which are compatible with them.
I have experience in the use of synthetic polymer microparticles for controlled release of proteins and of microinjection/micromanipulation systems for the precise patterning of these microparticles within cell culture substrates. This approach has the potential to replicate complex interacting signal environments as seen in developmental and repair processes.
I have also been involved in the development of hydrogels derived from demineralised bone and the formations of these materials into beads which could be used to encapsulate exogenous proteins and release them at a cell-mediated rate. As well as being useful for the generation of three-dimensionally patterned tissue engineering constructs, bone-derived hydrogels could find significant clinical utility as bone graft materials/components.
The final aspect of my research has explored the use of bioplotting for the production of multi-phase constructs for the repair of large, complex osteochondral defects. These constructs can incorporate live cells and active therapeutic proteins and can be composed of synthetic polymer and hydrogel phases for the repair of bone and cartilage (or soft tissue) respectively.
Publications, Presentations and Awards
Publications
C.V. Rahman, A. Saeed, L.J. White, T.W.A. Gould, G.T.S. Kirby, M.J. Sawkins, C. Alexander, F.R.A.J. Rose and K.M. Shakesheff. Division of Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK, 13/03/2012, Chemistry of Polymer and Ceramic-Based Injectable Scaffolds and Their Applications in Regenerative Medicine, Chemistry of Materials, 24 (5), 781-795
M.J. Sawkins (1,2), B.N. Brown (2), L.J. Bonassar (2), F.R.A.J. Rose (1) and K.M. Shakesheff (1). (1) School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. (2) Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA, 2011, Bioprinting as a Tool for Osteochondral Tissue Engineering, European Cells and Materials, 22(3), 51
M.J. Sawkins (1,2), B.N. Brown (2), L.J. Bonassar (2), F.R.A.J. Rose (1) and K.M. Shakesheff (1). (1) School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. (2) Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA, 2012, Cell, Scaffold and Growth Factor Patterning via 3D Printing, Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, 6 (Supplement 1), 374
L.J. White1, M.J. Sawkins (1), S.F. Badylak (2) & K.M. Shakesheff (1). (1) School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. (2) McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 2012, Decellularised Bone Gels – Novel Materials for Bone Regeneration., Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, 6 (Supplement 1), 168
M.J. Sawkins (1), K.M. Shakesheff (1), L.J. Bonassar (2) & G.R. Kirkham (1). (1) School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. (2) Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA, 2013, 3D Cell and Scaffold Patterning Strategies in Tissue Engineering, Recent Patents on Biomedical Engineering, 6(1), 3-21
M.J. Sawkins (1), W. Bowen (1), P. Dhadda (1), H. Markides (1), L.E. Sidney (1), A.J. Taylor (1), F.R.A.J. Rose (1), S.F. Badylak (2), K.M. Shakesheff (1) & L.J. White (1). (1) School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. (2) McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 2013, Hydrogels Derived from Demineralized and Decellularized Bone Extracellular Matrix, Acta Biomaterialia, 9(8), 7865-73
Where they are now?
Fundraising for Cavendish Cancer Care, a Sheffield-based charity providing emotional and physical support to cancer patients and their families through counselling and complementary therapies.
