Microfibrous Scaffolds to Navigate Single Neurons
Abstract
The objective of this proposal is to obtain a fundamental understanding of the synthesis and molecular organization of natural materials, and use this understanding to engineer new bio-inspired artificial materials for tissue engineering applications. The proposed research will combine emerging microfluidics and materials research, and bridges the gap between micro/nanotechnologies and real-life applications. The performer proposes to develop a novel microfluidic approach and hydrodynamic focusing to fabricate polymer microfibers with controlled size, shape, and molecular alignment. The microfluidic approach is an efficient method for the fabrication of micron-sized fibers due to its low-material consumption, conventional volume and size control, enhanced reaction rate, and inexpensive tooling costs. It is crucial to expand the variety of materials and types of structures which can be manufactured by microfluidic devices. They propose to use a microfluidic platform for on-chip manufacturing of microfibers. Hydrodynamic forces will be employed to control both molecular organization and microstructure size and shape in order to create highly structured microfibers continuously. Additionally, single neurons will be grown on microfluidically fabricated hollow fibers and the mechanical and physical properties of seeded fibers will be studied.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 03, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141612246
Entities
People
- Nicole Hashemi
Organizations
- Iowa State University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy