Differential Gene Expression of Chondrocytes in PLGA Scaffolds
Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
The field of bone regeneration is constantly growing and has the potential to have a significant impact in the way in which bone fractures are approached. Many projects developed in the past decade envision the use of scaffolds of various materials to promote and aid bone deposition, with the goal of speeding up the healing process. However, the natural course of bone regeneration entails the formation of a cartilaginous callus followed then by new bone tissue, rather than direct osteocyte deposition. The purpose of this project was to use a polylactic acid-co-glycolic acid-calcium phosphates (PLGA/CaP) scaffold to promote the formation of a hyaline cartilage precursor, onto which new bone can eventually form. The material was demonstrated to be biocompatible and suitable for this purpose. Tissue growth was observed in mature chondrocytes cultured with PLGA/CaP scaffolds. Gene expression analysis of chondrocyte growth on the scaffolds was conducted using RT-qPCR, targeting genes expressed in hyaline cartilage. The characterization revealed that mature chondrocytes co-cultured with PLGA/CaP scaffolding expressed an upregulation of biomarkers indicating hyaline cartilage formation. This research provides evidence for the potential clinical applications of PLGA/CaP to induce the development of a cartilaginous callus and can be used for further research in the field of enhanced bone formation.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Dr. Chris Osgood
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Disciplines
Biology | Biotechnology | Cell Biology
Session Title
Biological Sciences 2 Presentations
Location
Learning Commons @ Perry Library, Conference Room 1310
Start Date
2-3-2018 10:15 AM
End Date
2-3-2018 11:15 AM
Differential Gene Expression of Chondrocytes in PLGA Scaffolds
Learning Commons @ Perry Library, Conference Room 1310
The field of bone regeneration is constantly growing and has the potential to have a significant impact in the way in which bone fractures are approached. Many projects developed in the past decade envision the use of scaffolds of various materials to promote and aid bone deposition, with the goal of speeding up the healing process. However, the natural course of bone regeneration entails the formation of a cartilaginous callus followed then by new bone tissue, rather than direct osteocyte deposition. The purpose of this project was to use a polylactic acid-co-glycolic acid-calcium phosphates (PLGA/CaP) scaffold to promote the formation of a hyaline cartilage precursor, onto which new bone can eventually form. The material was demonstrated to be biocompatible and suitable for this purpose. Tissue growth was observed in mature chondrocytes cultured with PLGA/CaP scaffolds. Gene expression analysis of chondrocyte growth on the scaffolds was conducted using RT-qPCR, targeting genes expressed in hyaline cartilage. The characterization revealed that mature chondrocytes co-cultured with PLGA/CaP scaffolding expressed an upregulation of biomarkers indicating hyaline cartilage formation. This research provides evidence for the potential clinical applications of PLGA/CaP to induce the development of a cartilaginous callus and can be used for further research in the field of enhanced bone formation.