Implantable smart microvasculature for assisted bone regeneration

University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign, Urbana IL

Investigators

Abstract

The research objective of this collaborative project is advancing our understanding of regenerative repair of bones by introducing a smart implantable microvasculature, mimicking developmental regeneration. The research approaches are: 1) Developing microfabrication technologies for integration of three-dimensional microvasculature; 2)Demonstrating sensing, logic and controllable release with smart micovasculature in-vitro; 3)Modeling growth factor release and cell growth in microvasculature; 4) Testing of implanted smart microvasculature in vivo for bone regeneration. Intellectual Merit: The project will advance the knowledge of design and microfabrication of smart microvasculature for controlled temporal and spatial release of growth factors, mimicking developmental bone formation. The response of functional hydrogel microstructures in response to physiological stimuli, such as pH and temperature, will be analyzed, during the bone healing process. This will be coupled to modeling effort in predicting growth factor release characteristics from the smart microvasculature, and related cell growth and proliferation to enhance bone regeneration. Broader Impact: Understanding the process of tissue regeneration as a function of controlled transport of growth factors in space and time is a fundamental challenge in biology. This fundamental research is expected to have direct impact, such as analyte controlled and modulated drug and protein delivery, drug screening, and tissue engineering. The PIs will actively disseminate their research findings to the local community, including high school students and science teachers on the basics of bone biology and miniature implant for assisted regeneration. Also, a high resolution micro-stereolithography service will be established for other user groups to explore the innovative microvasculature design.