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Xuan Zhang
Bio-Inorganic Interfaces for Cellular Signal Detection and Tissue Engineering Abstract Biocompatible and functional micro- and nano- structured materials and surfaces provide new avenues to create cellular constructs and tissues for the development of in vitro platforms for studying the behavior of cells in varying micro-environments, ranging from in vitro neurite extension to in vivo biological sensing. In this talk, I will describe the role of bio-inorganic interfaces in areas of cellular signal detection and cellular-scaffolding. For cellular signal detection, live cells are interfaced with conventional microarray devices for achieving cell based sensing systems. The excitable membrane of neurons provides for a multifunctional transducer where modulation of the firing rate is used for the detection of chemical agents. I will describe a system for the measurement of extracellular potentials from primary neurons isolated onto micromachined planar microelectrode arrays. Fast Fourier and wavelet transformation techniques are used to extract information related to the frequency of firing and response times from the extracellular potential for mixed sensing situations. Next, applications of nanostructured surfaces as novel scaffolds for promoting cellular growth will be discussed. For such biomaterials to be utilized as suitable tissue platforms or scaffolds, they need to exhibit viable conditions for in vitro seeding and the attachment of cells. Only then cells can proliferate, migrate and differentiate into the specific tissue while creating a cohesive cell-substrate interface. At the same, the physiological activities need be monitored by analyzing the extracellular signals. We demonstrate here the fabrication of novel nanostructured materials and surfaces including multiwalled carbon nanotube substrates, three dimensional pyrolyzed SU-8 patterns (Carbon-MEMS) and porous alumina substrates which exhibit unique scaffolding features (micro patterns, nano roughness, and nano porosity) for applications in tissue culture formation. The performance of these materials as novel scaffolds is demonstrated in terms of cell-adhesion, proliferation and guiding functions.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Bourns A265
4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
(Refreshments will be served at 4:00 p.m.)
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