Effects of Microgravity on Bone Tissue Scaffolds for In Vitro Tissue Growth
Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Chemical Engineering
Research Advisor
Brown, Roger F.
Collier, Harvest L.
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Second Advisor's Department
Chemistry
Funding Source
Missouri Alliance for Minority Participation
Abstract
Synthetic bone tissue is an emerging technological interest. Many aspects must be accounted for to have a viable product, to include three-dimensional scaffold constructs, development of extracellular matrices, smooth collagen surfaces, and effects of pressure within and outside of the body. The ideal scaffold encourages differentiation of bone tissues without inducing undue trauma to the tissues. The application of the microgravity concept would be employed to keep stresses to a minimum. Microgravity will be simulated using a rotating-wall vessel, which has its vertical axis parallel to gravity. The centrifugal forces produced by the rotating motion provide a near normal gravity environment. The study proposes to determine the effects microgravity has on cell-cell adhesion.
Biography
Darla is a senior majoring in Chemical Engineering. She is employed part-time at the JCPenney hair salon as a stylist. Darla plans to pursue a career in plastics engineering upon graduation. Some of her hobbies include poetry and dancing.
Research Category
Research Proposals
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Presentation
Award
Research Proposals, First place
Presentation Date
12 Apr 2006, 9:00 am
Effects of Microgravity on Bone Tissue Scaffolds for In Vitro Tissue Growth
Synthetic bone tissue is an emerging technological interest. Many aspects must be accounted for to have a viable product, to include three-dimensional scaffold constructs, development of extracellular matrices, smooth collagen surfaces, and effects of pressure within and outside of the body. The ideal scaffold encourages differentiation of bone tissues without inducing undue trauma to the tissues. The application of the microgravity concept would be employed to keep stresses to a minimum. Microgravity will be simulated using a rotating-wall vessel, which has its vertical axis parallel to gravity. The centrifugal forces produced by the rotating motion provide a near normal gravity environment. The study proposes to determine the effects microgravity has on cell-cell adhesion.
