My PhD research
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Overview
My own research is the manufacture and implantation of highly porous microspheres. These act as both cell delivery vehicles and scaffolds for bone and neural tissue engineering.
The Science
PolyHIPE particles can be loaded with stem cells and are suitable for injection into
the body. Once implanted the particles prevent the cells from migrating away from
the wound site, a common problem when stem cells which are injected as a cell only
injection. Cells can fully penetrate the particles which leads to small areas of
hypoxic environment within the particles that cause cells to release bio-
The potential applications
These particles could be used to help repair bone or neuronal damage. Voids left by cancer within bones could be treated with the system to allow the bone to regenerate and strengthen. Strokes cause areas of dead cells within the brain which don’t repair naturally. Implanting particles with neuronal stem cells could allow stroke victims to regain lost abilities and partially recover from the damage caused by the stroke.