In vitro culture of cells for both research and clinical applications has traditionally been undertaken in tissue culture flasks that provide a two dimensional surface for the adhesion and growth of cells. However, it is being increasingly realised that these environments are poorly suited to replicating the in vivo environment of cells. They are also limited by the total surface area available for cell adhesion and proliferation. Many three dimensional cell culture materials are under development or in early commercialisation, but almost without exception these are nano- or micro-porous, or utilise gels to provide a pseudo-three dimensional environment.
One exception to this rule is Statamatrix® (also known as Cellfoam and as Cytomatrix®), a macroporous device utilising a carbon backbone coated with tantalum or niobium. This device has been found to have significant applications for in vitro cell culture. The large pore size has been found to be ideal for ensuring free mass transit of nutrients and removal of wastes, allowing a high degree of cell proliferation. However, the tantalum coating is poorly suited to some applications, as it is less than ideal for cell adhesion.
This project will utilise the existing knowledge of the Statamatrix system to develop a second generation of macroporous cell culture devices. Two lines of investigation will be followed:
- Modification of the existing Statamatrix device through modification of the surface properties
- Development of novel polymer scaffolds with the same architectural properties.
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