Advisors: Ying Luo PhD, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Peking University

               W. Robert Taylor MD, PhD, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University

Committee Members:

Zuhong Lu PhD, Department of Biomedical Engineering,  Peking University

Changhui Li PhD, Department of Biomedical Engineering,  Peking University

Jincai Luo PhD, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking University

Title: Study of scaffolds for delivery of mesenchymal stem cells in ischemic vascular diseases

Abstract: 

    Ischemic vascular diseases (IVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Current therapies are able to reduce initial mortality but limited in replacing damaged tissue, which left patients high probability of relapse and diminished quality of life. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising cell type for stem cell therapy. They secrete a series of paracrine factors, which have therapeutic effects in immunomodulation, antiapoptosis and angiogenesis. These abilities make MSC implantation a promising strategy for achieving functional recovery of IVDs. However, the low cell retention and viability of transplanted MSCs have limited the efficacy of MSC therapy. 

   The central hypothesis of this project is that the judicious design of scaffold is able to improve the efficacy of MSC therapies in treating IVD by increasing cell retention and viability. The central hypothesis will be studied in three specific aims. First, we will test the performance of a new MSC delivery system that applies a combination of MSCs spheroids and micro-well patterned scaffold. Second, we will develop a hydrogel-microfiber composite scaffold with improved biocompatibility. Third, we will seek to improve in vivo efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells with a semipermeable mini-devices we develop. Success in project will provide insights into how stem cell therapy may be designed and promote the clinical practice of MSC therapies.