BMEBT PhD Dissertation Defense by Jordan E. Pagliuca
Dissertation Title:
Fabrication of Peptide Nanotube Reinforced Biomaterials for Neural Cell Culture
Abstract:
Complications in the central nervous system (CNS) resulting from traumatic injuries and diseases poses immense public health challenges for rehabilitation and treatment. This is due in part to the diminished regenerative capacity of CNS neurons caused by the increased presence of growth inhibiting transcription factors as well as cell autonomous failure in regulating gene expression. Technological advancements pertaining to the fabrication of self-assembled, nanomaterial scaffolds could serve to overcome these molecular obstacles. Although the exact biological mechanism is not well understood, the complex, three-dimensional nanoscale topography is believed to effectively “carry” cells, perturbing the cellular microenvironment without perforating the plasma membrane. As cells traverse and sense the nano-surface, they are provided with unique functional cues that dictate cellular adhesion, growth, and alterations in gene expression, all of which contribute to their gradual activation and polarization.
Previous studies have investigated the efficacy of using carbonaceous nanostructures, specifically single/multiwalled carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide nanosheets, as scaffold-based treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and injuries. Long-term concerns with bioaccumulation and cytoxicity, however, make their use in many biological systems undesirable. With simplistic methods of self-assembly and comparable mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and catalytic activity values, peptide-based nanotube arrays pose a more biocompatible alternative. In this study, peptide nanostructures are assembled using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and solution phase self-assembly (SPSA) methodologies, followed by thorough physiochemical and in vitro characterization efforts to determine functional properties. Additionally, the catalytic advantages of these nanostructures are confirmed via the synthesis and characterization of melanin-like nanomaterials, highlighting their potential for numerous therapeutic applications. Although preliminary in vitro findings support the efficacy of peptide nanomaterial-scaffold based treatments, the aim than becomes developing a vehicle to introduce these nanostructures into targeted regions of the body while retaining their structure, orientation, and organization. One potential solution involves combining these nanostructures with hydrogels for noninvasive, ease of implantation, evaluating varying concentrations and spatial orientations within the matrix. The study will conclude with a discussion of preliminary characterization efforts for PECVD deposition of peptoid analogs.
Committee members:
- Dr. Milana Vasudev (Advisor), Department of Bioengineering, UMass Dartmouth
- Dr. Tracie Ferreira, Department of Bioengineering, UMass Dartmouth
- Dr. Rein Ulijn, Einstein Professor of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University of New York
All BMEBT students are encouraged to attend and all interested parties invited.
For further information, please contact Dr. Milana Vasudev.
LIB 426
Milana Vasudev
508-999-9284
mvasudev@umassd.edu
https://umassd.zoom.us/j/96360112780?pwd=bxhVattyGZA5WqwrDoGUvoaBMtMKwA.1