Developing novel materials to direct stem cell behaviour and tissue rejuvenation

Project Summary

This project focuses on understanding adult stem cells dysfunction in self-renewal and lineage potential occurring with ageing. The main hypothesis behind this change of behaviour is the modification of both the local and the systemic factors present in the niches. Polymer brush interfaces could allow stem cells in vitro manipulation mimicking the complexities of stem cell-niche interactions, by using polymer brush itself or bioactive properties of additionally attached biological cues. Our goal is to gain further insights into the complex regulation of adult stem cell maintenance to unravel the processes of generalized tissue degeneration associated with ageing.