Project
3D Patterned Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering
One of the objectives of the Shoichet research group is to harness the regenerative power of stem cells for tissue engineering applications. Our approach has been to preferentially and spatially guide stem cells within 3D biochemically-pattered hydrogels. Previous work from our laboratory has demonstrated successful immobilization of bioactive growth factors and peptides in 3D agarose scaffolds using femtosecond laser technology and photochemistry.
The direct goal of my project is to advance the chemistry developed for agarose, to hyaluronan. I am synthesizing a hyaluronan matrix that ultimately result in a biomaterial matrix that will permit facile cell penetration and differentiation.
Education
September 2009-Present
M.Sc. candidate in Chemistry
University of Toronto
Supervisor: Molly Shoichet
September 2005- May 2009
B.Sc. Honours in Biochemistry
McGill University
Supervisors: Paul Wiseman and Jason Young
Awards
NSERC Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship
CIHR Training Program in Regenerative Medicine Fellowship Award
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