Linda Elowsson (PhD student 2005-2008)
Chondrocyte expansion on thermoresponsive polymers
One critical step of the tissue engineering process is the expansion of cells from a small biopsy. Convention methods for cell expansion use enzymes that may be sourced from animal tissue. This introduces a risk of infection, and there is some evidence that enzymes and EDTA might injure cells and contribute to their loss of phenotype during expansion. The aim of my research is to develop and evaluate a novel thermoresponsive route for cell expansion using modified hydrogels. This route takes advantage of changes in surface chemistry and dimension to release cultured chondrocytes from surfaces without potentially harmful enzymes. I am also investigating whether or not this approach will help to maintain the chondrocytic phenotype in expanded cell populations.
Supervisor(s): Prof. Paul Hatton and Dr Aileen Crawford.