Kenneth De Jesus-Morales

BME PhD Proposal Presentation

Date:2022-05-06
Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Location / Meeting Link: ECC - Conference Room 202 / https://emory.zoom.us/j/96286118104

Committee Members:
Michael E. Davis, PhD (Advisor) Scott J. Hollister, PhD Rudolph L. Gleason, PhD Hanjoong Jo, PhD Chunhui Xu, PhD


Title: Developing a Tissue Engineered Aortic Valve through 3D Bioprinting a Biomimetic and Integrated Leaflet Scaffold

Abstract: Heart valve disease (HVD) is a prevalent and increasing clinical burden with the limited and exclusive resort to valvular repair or prosthetic replacement surgery. Existing alternatives include biological and mechanical valve replacements, yet these have been recognized as inadequate for proper function in pediatric patients. Essentially, the inability to grow or respond biologically to their environment are remaining challenges that prompt multiple valve-refitting surgeries and life-long coagulation status follow-up. Tissue-engineered heart valves (TEHVs) have become an attractive therapeutic solution, as they enable the development of patient-specific models able to self-repair and remodel. 3D bioprinted constructs can potentially restate native heterogeneity and anatomical fidelity for customizable designs. The proposed study focuses on the construction of a TEHV through 3D bioprinting methods to recreate the three-layer leaflet structure of an aortic valve, composed of poly-e-caprolactone (PCL) and cell-laden gelatin-methacrylate and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (GelMA/PEGDA) hydrogel scaffold, while incorporating valvular interstitial-like (VIC-like) cells that can promote regeneration and remodeling. This project aims to describe the cellular and mechanical interactions between biomaterials and cells to overcome the risks within pediatric populations. Integrating 1) autologous stem cells, 2) biomaterials, and 3) 3D bioprinted scaffolds will generate a valve leaflet capable of biological integration and mechanical function for optimum restoration.