Projekt

This proposal concerns the application of dynamic bioactive surface structures on elastomeric substrates to study the adhesion and proliferation of soft tissue cells. Two complementary systems, star shaped reactive poly(ethyline glycol) (PEG) prepolymers and carboxymethylated dextran that can be used separately or in combination, will be applied onto and used as flexible substrates and will be modified with different amounts of cell adhesions peptides. By combination of lithographic techniques, block copolymer templating and microcontact printing the concentration of the peptides can be controlled over length scales ranging from several nanometers up to a few micrometers. Adhesion and proliferation of soft tissue cells on these substrates especially upon mechanical stimulation will be analyzed. Novel mechanically responsive hybrid PEG - coiled coil conjugates will be synthesized and bound to the hydrogels. In addition, the substrates will be modified with binding sites for cell secreted fibronectin. The deformable and mechanically responsive substrates will induce extracellular matrix (ECM) production of adherent cells and enable them to mechanically and thereby chemically condition their environment.

• Prof. Dr. Martin Möller

  Rheinisch-Westfälische
  Technische Hochschule Aachen
  Institut für Technische und Makromolekulare Chemie
  Lehrstuhl für Textilchemie und
  Makromolekulare Chemie
  Aachen
  

• Prof. Dr. August Bernd

  Universität Frankfurt am Main
  Klinikum
  Zentrum für Dermatologie und Venerologie
  Frankfurt/Main
  

• Prof. Dr. Harm-Anton Klok

  École Polytechnique Fédérale
  de Lausanne (EPFL)
  Institut des Matériaux
  Laboratoire des Polymères
  STI - IMX - LP
  Lausanne
  Schweiz
  

• Prof. Dr. Joachim Spatz

  Universität Heidelberg
  Neue Materialien und Biosysteme
  Heidelberg