| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/T24043/01 |
| Title: |
Generic Scaffolds for 3-Dimensional Cell Growth: a Feasibility Study |
| Principal Investigator: |
Cameron, Professor N |
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| Department: |
Chemistry |
| Organisation: |
Durham, University of |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 March 2005 |
Ends: |
28 February 2006 |
Value (£): |
62,316
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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Preliminary results from the investigators demonstrate that neurons grown on porous matrices produced more extensive and highly developed neural networks than those grown on tissue culture plastic. In this feasibility study, porous biocompatible polymers for cell culture in 3 dimensions will be developed in Dr Cameron's laboratory, where the porosity is produced using an emulsion template (PolyHIPE) allowing accurate control over void size. Other properties such as base material chemistry, surface area and mechanical behaviour of the porous polymers will be varied using established techniques. In parallel, work on the production of thin membranes of PolyHIPE (down to 50 microns) will be undertaken. Subsequently, coating of the materials with growth factors and extracellular matrix proteins will be conducted. Materials will be characterised by (E)SEM, TEM, confocal laser scanning microscopy, mercury porosimetry and gas adsorption analysis, and subsequently transferred to Dr Przyborski's laboratory for cell culture studies. A variety of cell types, including fibroblasts, neurons, glia, muscle, skin, liver and cartilage cells derived from rat tissues, will be used. Human cell lines that are models for different tissue types will also be studied. In all cases, cell viability, cell number, total protein and cell morphology will be examined. Further work will focus on the growth of embryonal carcinoma (EC) stem cells on our scaffolds. Experiments on 2D substrates (tissue culture plasic) will be conducted in parallel as controls; equal cell numbers will be seeded in eaqch type of matrix. In this manner we aim to demonstrate the advantages of using robust 3D porous matrices as generic substrates for the culture of a wide range of cell types.
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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Impacts |
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| Description |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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