Project description
Soft shape-changing polymers give cells a push in the right direction
Living organisms respond intelligently to a variety of stimuli, not the least of which are mechanical ones. Mechanical cues are important modulators of growth, development and tissue repair, and their potential for use in therapeutics is a hot topic of research and development. Magneto-active polymers (MAPs), soft composites that exhibit tuneable magnetisation-induced shape transformations, are uniquely qualified to appropriately nudge biological structures towards growth and repair processes. However, to control them better, we need a deeper understanding of their underlying physics. The EU-funded 4D-BIOMAP project is using powerful 3D printing to create MAPs and characterise them in critical applications related to nervous system functioning.
Objective
MAPs are polymer-based composites that respond to magnetic fields with large deformation or tuneable mechanical properties. I aim to apply heterogeneous 3D printed MAPs as modifiable substrates to support biological structures which can have their deformation state and stiffness controlled by the external application of magnetic stimuli. Such mechanical stimulation has an important role on biological structures leading to alterations in functional responses, morphological changes and activation of growth or healing processes. Current bottlenecks preventing progress in this field are a lack of: a) appropriate experimental methodologies to enable characterisation of the behaviour of these materials; b) fundamental theoretical underpinnings to support the design and application of these new materials. The first step is to undertake in depth characterisation and assessment of 4D printed MAPs to create a detailed understanding of the underlying physics controlling the interactions between the polymeric matrices and embedded magnetic particles during application of mechanical and/or magnetic loadings. I will then culture biological structures on the novel 4D printed MAPs to create a ‘designed’ biostructure with specified and controllable responses to a given magnetic stimulus. These novel biostructures will be assessed using three applications: a) astrocyte cellular networks, b) neuronal circuits and c) astrocyte-neuronal networks. The evaluation of cellular damage, morphological and physiological alterations will validate the performance of the new biostructures and also contribute new understanding to the effects of deformation and stiffness gradients during glial scarring on physiological functions of central nervous system cells. The resulting deep understanding of magneto-mechanics of MAPs and their further development for controllable stimulation devices, will enable the international consolidation of my research group within the mechanics and bioengineering fields.
Fields of science
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiology
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcomposites
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunicationstelecommunications networksmobile network
- natural scienceschemical sciencespolymer sciences
Programme(s)
Topic(s)
Funding Scheme
ERC-STG - Starting GrantHost institution
28903 Getafe (Madrid)
Spain