Fabrication of Cellular and Extracellular Environments

The ECM mechanical and chemical properties provide environmental feedback that guides cell fate and directs cell migration. In the case of osteoarthritis, remodeling of the ECM results in changes to mechanical and chemical properties characterized by stiffening and loss of collagen and glycosaminoglycans. Hydrogel systems have been developed that have responsive elements to release growth factors or modulate the bulk properties in order to elicit desired responses (e.g., recellularization/wound healing, differentiation). Despite these advances, mimicking temporal ECM modulation remains challenging, especially when one considers the heterogeneity of the ECM, where a multitude of different proteins organized in nano-to-micro domains modulate cell and tissue function.

Therefore, it is of paramount interest to develop cellular niche models that enable rational temporal control over local mechanics and ligand arrangement with nanoscale precision; such models would enable one to better replicate and study developmental and injury repair processes and develop materials that enhance recellularization and tissue formation. The Meckes group works to develop nanomaterials with spatiotemporally arranged properties, which will be used to mimic disease progression and tissue formation processes to determine mechanisms for recellularizing and repairing diseased tissue.