Spatially-Patterned Collagen Scaffolds for Orthopedic Tissue Engineering

"Spatially-Patterned Collagen Scaffolds for Orthopedic Tissue Engineering and Regulating Stem Cell Fate" Steven R. Caliari October 15, 2012 Regeneration of multi-tissue structures like the tendon-bone junction (TBJ) requires dynamic new biomaterial technologies. The TBJ contains gradations of protein and mineral content that serve to minimize stresses at the interface between the stiff bone and softer tendon to prevent failure. However, the TBJ is still a common site for injury, and current clinical strategies are inadequate with failure rates as high as 94%. Collagen-GAG (CG) scaffolds are FDA-approved biomaterials that have been applied to a variety of tissue regeneration challenges including skin, nerves, and cartilage. This talk will cover several approaches to develop bioactive CG materials with tailored structural, mechanical, and biochemical properties. Integrated together, this suite of technologies is broadly applicable to fundamental challenges in engineering and medicine including the repair of tissue interfaces and the engineering of materials to regulate stem cell fate.