Arnold Ju - Advisor, Cheng Zhu, PhD

Biophysical Regulation of Binding Kinetics of Platelet Glycoprotein Ibα with von Willebrand Factor

The interaction of platelet glycoprotein Ibα (GPIbα) with von Willebrand factor (VWF) mediates the tethering and rolling of platelets on disrupted vascular surfaces during the hemostatic and thrombotic processes. By monitoring the reduction in thermal fluctuations of a biomembrane force probe, we visualized in real time repeated formation and dissociation of bonds between GPIbα and VWF A1 domain from which the on- and off-rates were derived.

Dhaval Patel - Advisor, Lakeshia Taite, PhD

Engineering Adaptable ECM-Copolymer Hydrogels To Facilitate Vascular Development

Two elastin mimetic peptides, EM-19 and EM-23, were engineered to promote vascular ECM deposition over PEGDA surfaces. Once grafted on a PEGDA hydrogel, EM-23, AAKAAKVGVAPGRGDSAAKAAKK, was able to increase SMC adhesion over EM-19, AAKAAKVGVAPGAAKAAKK, and RGDS. Elastin production on gels grafted with EM-23 was comparable to TCPS suggesting that EM-23 is able to promote vascular ECM production.

The Graduate and Post-Doc (GaP) Seminar Series is a weekly event of biotechnology related research presentations by two graduate students or post-docs of IBB and is co-sponsored by BME. It is held every Wednesday at 12:00pm in IBB 1128 and refreshments are provided. If your research group or department would like to present at future seminars, please contact Manu Platt, PhD at manu.platt@bme.gatech.edu.