Rebecca Goodchild (PhD student 2005-2008)
Polymer-Ceramic Composite Scaffolds for Osteochondral Tissue Engineering
Biphasic scaffolds based on the combination of ceramics and polymers may have potential in the repair of osteochondral defects, for example by improving the integration of the engineered tissue into the defect site. In simple terms, the polymer component is used to support tissue engineered cartilage while the ceramic is intended to act as an osteoconductive biomaterial for bone "anchoring" or integration. The aim of my project is therefore to develop and evaluate polymer-ceramic composite scaffolds formed by combining 45S5 bioglass with electrospun polymers. The suitability of these scaffolds for osteochondral tissue engineering will be assessed by the culture of chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells on the scaffolds.
This project is funded by EPSRC and supported by the EXPERTISSUES Network of Excellence.
Supervisor(s): Prof. Paul Hatton, Prof. Ian Reaney (Engineering Materials) and Prof. Tony Ryan (Chemistry).