The Role of Scaffold Architecture in Guiding Tissue Growth: From Modeling to Microfluidics
José M García Aznar,
,
Universidad de Zaragoza
Safe and effective regeneration of tissues require a high control of cellular response, which is dependent on multiple microenvironment cues, such as: extracellular matrix composition and architecture, cell-cell and cell-matrix interaction, interstitial fluid flow, growth factors, etc. In this work, we will investigate how scaffolds can regulate cell migration by means of the appropriate architecture. Actually, we present a combination of computational and in-vitro techniques to determine how scaffold architecture guide cell movement and consequently tissue growth. Multiscale computational modeling of tissue regeneration has predictive capabilities for the rational design of functional scaffolds that induce tissue growth and biomaterial degradation, regulating an adequate regeneration. Realistic, mechanistic models can provide a framework for understanding the fundamental mechano-chemical interactions between cells, material and fluid flow. Microfluidics is a powerful tool that allows in-vitro testing of 3D hydrogel-based scaffolds, due to their characteristics of recreating healing conditions, providing the possibility of co-culture different cell types. In fact, hydrogels are confined in chambers, which are connected with channels to control these microenvironmental conditions. In this work, we will present different computational approaches to analyze various regulatory mechanisms for guiding tissue growth, individual and collective cell migration. These advanced simulations will be complemented with the corresponding in-vitro experiments that will allow validating some of the conclusions provided by the numerical models. Therefore, different kinds of multiscale and multiphysics models are integrated in order to understand fundamental cellular processes that will help us to define the most adequate scaffold architecture for the successful guidance of tissue regeneration.
|
|
