DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/N6WF-PY03
Defense Date
2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Engineering
First Advisor
Barbara Boyan
Second Advisor
Frank Gupton
Third Advisor
Micheal Peters
Fourth Advisor
Zvi Schwartz
Fifth Advisor
Jamal Zweit
Abstract
The goal of this research was to develop a system of injectable hydrogels to deliver stem cells to musculoskeletal defects, thereby allowing cells to remain at the treatment site and secrete soluble factors that will facilitate tissue regeneration. First, production parameters for encapsulating cells in microbeads were determined. This involved investigating the effects of osmolytes on alginate microbead properties, and the effects of alginate microbead cell density, alginate microbead density, and effects of osteogenic media on microencapsulated cells. Although cells remained viable in the microbeads, alginate does not readily degrade in vivo for six months. Therefore, a method to incorporate alginate lyase in microbeads was developed and optimized to achieve controlled release of viable cells. Effectiveness of this strategy was determined through cell release studies and measuring proteins and expression of genes that are characteristic of the cell’s phenotype. Lastly, in vivo studies were done to assess the ability of alginate microbeads to localize microencapsulated cells and support chondrogenesis and osteogenesis. This project will provide insight to the tissue engineering field regarding cell-based therapies and healing musculoskeletal defects.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
8-12-2016