Multifunctional Conformable bioMaterials (MCM) Lab
PI: Dr. Mary Caldorera-Moore
Research in the Caldorera-Moore's lab combines micro- and nanoscale technologies with intelligent biomaterials to create new and improved biomimetic platforms for studying the influence chemistry, surface topography, and material properties play on directing cell fate or the ability to response and release therapeutics. Research in the lab focuses on the design, fabrication, characterization, and use of advanced micro/nano biosystems for targeted delivery and tissue regeneration applications.
Specific research projects on-going in the lab are summarized below.
Environmentally Responsive Hydrogels for the Treatment of Chronic Wounds
Students: Abitha M. Heimbuck and Madison Padgett
Objective: The overall objective of this research is to utilize and manipulate the material properties of synthesized pH responsive biopolymer hydrogel to redirect the healing process of a diabetic foot ulcer from chronic to acute wound healing.
Image: SEM of high surface area biopolymer hydrogel scaffold under development
Mechanical and Microtopographical Effects on Differentiation of Stem Cells
Students: Haley Barnett, Nehalkumar Patel, Katie Whitehead, and Rachel Hegab
Collaborator: Dr. Jamie Newman, Biological Sciences
Objective: This research aims to understand the role of materials elasticity and surface topography on differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) into functional cardiomyocytes.
Image: Immunofluorescence Analysis of Contracting EBs for α-Actinin (red), Cxn 43 (green), and Nuclei (blue)
High Surface Area Patterned Hydrogels for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering Applications
Student: Luke Villermin and Gabriel Zahm
Objective: The focus of this project is on the development of a method for creating a biocompatible network of hydrogel nanofibers on the surface of a hydrogel film. With the resulting increase in surface area, the added nanofeatures significantly affect hydrogel swelling, degradation rate, and therefore the release of therapeutic agents while simultaneously mimicking the extracellular matrix of cells.
Image: SEM of hydrogel fibers under development
Environmentally Responsive Hydrogels for the Oral Delivery of Gasotransmitter Therapeutics
Students: Rachel Hegab and Disha Kashyap
Collaborator: Dr. Christopher Kevil at LSU-Health Shreveport Cardiovascular Center
Objective: This project emphasizes an innovative approach for co-delivery of multiple gasotransmitter agents orally using designer hydrogel micro- and nanocarrier systems for the treatment o f cardiovascular and chronic inflammatory diseases.
Image: SEM of nanocarriers under development