Cell-Material Interactions in Tissue Engineering

Students study how materials are used in cell-based biological applications focusing on engineered tissues and translational applications. Hybrid materials can be designed to elicit specific cellular interactions, including cell adhesion, mechanosensing, biochemical signaling, and electrical conduction. Primary scientific literature provides examples of design principles as applied to natural and synthetic materials in cell-based assays, engineered tissues, and in vivo implantation. Students participate in class discussions of scientific literature, lead discussion through oral presentation and group engagement, and write literature summaries including a final project (either a primary research manuscript or literature review). Pre Requisites: Recommended: Physiology/Cell & Molecular Biology, Biomaterials/Materials Science.