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Full-Text Articles in Engineering
A Novel Model To Study Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Differentiation, Austin N. Worden
A Novel Model To Study Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Differentiation, Austin N. Worden
Theses and Dissertations
The use of three-dimensional (3D) culture systems (hydrogels) and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in regenerative medicine to advance early-stage investigation and modeling of the mechanisms of diseases, treatments, targets, etc. has recently increased. ADSCs, specifically, are utilized due to their innate programming during embryogenesis and in adult tissues in addition to their ability to differentiate into mesodermal, endodermal, and ectodermal cell-specific lineages. Of importance is that these advancements do not involve a model specimen (i.e. mice or rats) and simulate the numerous conflicting signals a migrating cell is exposed to in vivo such as chemokines, extracellular matrix (ECM), growth factors, …
Analysis Of Cellular Interactions Within A Collagen Hydrogel, Austin N. Worden
Analysis Of Cellular Interactions Within A Collagen Hydrogel, Austin N. Worden
Theses and Dissertations
Evidence has arisen over the past several years that use of a three- dimensional (3D) culture system provides a distinct advantage over two- dimensional (2D) systems when cellular interactions are examined in a more natural environment. Changes in morphology, speed, and directionality of cells tested in both planar and 3D matrices have all demonstrated that using 3D system is advantageous. The changes to the cellular migration patterns were shown to be dependent on several variables within the surrounding substrate including cellular content, physical environment, and the matrix chemical milieu. We have taken advantage of using collagen hydrogels as a 3D …
Plant-Biomimetic Hydrogel Actuators: Creating Movement In Hydrogels Through The Study Of Plants, Christen Rhodes
Plant-Biomimetic Hydrogel Actuators: Creating Movement In Hydrogels Through The Study Of Plants, Christen Rhodes
Theses and Dissertations
Plants are sessile organisms that have developed methods of movement to respond to environmental stimuli. Some of the approaches feature the unequal expansion of cells and controlling deformation direction through fibers under swelling and drying. Hydrogels are three dimensional polymer networks that have the capacity for large volume changes due their affinity for water and can be tough and/or stimuli-responsive. In this paper, three preliminary plant-biomimetic hydrogel actuator designs are discussed and tested from wet to dry. The first actuator design, termed a 1%-0.1% bilayer, features two layers of different swelling and drying rates due to differences in cross-linking density. …