Topography of biomaterials

The goals of this research were to better understand the relationship between surface structure of polymer biomaterials and their responses with soft tissue and macrophages and investigate a novel micropatterning technique with the hope of forming new biomaterials. We determined that there is a definite relationship between macrophage spreading and the polymer material and that the most extensive spreading occurred on poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA). Using a four-step lithographic technique we demonstrated spatial distribution of mammalian cells on gold. Applying this same technique we formed ordered co-cultures of cells. Altering the technique allowed us to pattern cells on polyethylene. We used polymer scaffolds to deliver active basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) which increased new blood vessel formation 100%. By using these techniques, a tissue-engineered device can be fabricated that will allow for new blood vessel growth by delivering active growth factors and/or multiple cell types in an ordered area.