Vera Graup

Supervisor: Prof Ruth Cameron

Title: 3-dimensional design of collagen scaffolds for the purpose of cardiac regeneration

Abstract: Over the past decades, biomaterials have emerged as potential treatment strategies for local tissue repair and regeneration, combining a materials and cell based approach.

Using a combination of techniques, such as crystal templating and cross-linking, collagen scaffolds will be designed to replicate the three dimensional pore structure and mechanical properties of the human heart. Such scaffolds (‘cardiac patches’) can be used to deliver stem cells and drugs directly to the site of injury.

In collaboration with the Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine (Dr Sanjay Sinha), I will test scaffolds of varying designs to assess their suitability to support the maintenance of the physiological phenotype of relevant cardiac cell types.