| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/S47939/01 |
| Title: |
Stem cell differentiation into cardiovascular tissue-engineered implants under the action of directed mechanical cues |
| Principal Investigator: |
Eastwood, Professor M |
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| Department: |
Sch of Life Sciences |
| Organisation: |
University of Westminster |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 February 2004 |
Ends: |
31 July 2005 |
Value (£): |
91,432
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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The human body contains many cells types i.e. blood cells, brain cells etc. One particular cell type that is present in the blood stream is a specialised cell that has the potential to change into any other cell type, these cells are refered to as stem cells. For stem cells to change into other cell types some form of stimulation is required, either biophysical or biochemical. In this study we are proposing that we can apply biophysical stimulation via the Multi Cue Bioreactor (MCB) to stem cells suspended within an alginate scaffold. The MCB mimics the conditions found in the human aorta i.e. pressue, flow, temperature etc. It is hypothesised that that under these conditions we can change the phenotype of the stem cell to the type of cells normally found in the human aorta. If we prove the hypothesis to be correct them we will pave the way for further research into differentiation of stem cells by means of biophysical stimulation. The ultimate goal of this research would be to tissue engineer a major blood vessel or heart valve under laboratory conditions, this would have a major impact upon the millions of patients who require transplant surgery world wide.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.wmin.ac.uk |