Evaluation of MEMS fabricated fractal based free standing scaffolds for the purposes of developing a brain bioreactor
Year: 2015
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The brain is the most complex organ in the body due to the multiple cell types, billions of tightly packed synapses, extracellular matrix, and intricate topography. Microelectrical-mechanical fabrication techniques exhibit promise in the field of neuronal tissue engineering because the shape is highly controllable and a variety of materials can be used in creation of bioreactors. This work evaluates the ability of a free standing TiO2 coated fractal scaffold to support healthy neuronal growth. Also evaluated is the propensity for the neurons to take advantage of the 3D growing surface without the use of complex extracellular matrix factors over the course of eleven days in vitro. The results indicate that while it is possible for neurons to grow on the MEMs fabricated fractal scaffold and grow in 3D, key adjustments to the scaffold and cell adhesion protein will better facilitate long term neuronal growth in future generations of the brain bioreactor.
Source: Human Biology
Author: Brandy Broadbent
Language: English
Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2309052268