In this section
The Micro-Nano Innovation Lab ("mini lab") investigates multidisciplinary approaches to develop new intelligent sensing and robotic strategies in micro/nano scales.
The Micro-Nano Innovation Lab ("mini lab") investigates multidisciplinary approaches to develop new intelligent sensing and robotic strategies in micro/nano scales. We study nanotechnology, light-matter interactions, micro-particle dynamics, microscale fluid dynamics, and bioengineering to reach our goal. The research involves the design and manufacture of micro/nano systems for diagnostics (e.g. infections, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases) and microscopic therapies/surgeries (e.g. localised drug delivery, novel minimally invasive procedures).
Timely identification of illnesses, less intrusive interventions, and precise/personalised treatments in challenging areas within our bodies, like narrow blood vessels, are essential technologies for improved healthcare management. The foundation for empowering these technologies lies in the development of devices capable of sensitively detecting disruptions in microenvironments that impact normal physiology and of precisely addressing these issues via targeted drug delivery, surgery, etc. at the cellular and molecular levels (micro/nano scales). Understanding the pathophysiology and engineering of the designs and functionalities of such devices accordingly is, thus, vital to enhancing current medical technology. Also, this has the potential to drive the development of advanced medical micro-robots with integrated sensing and therapeutic capabilities, offering new opportunities for future advancements in healthcare.
Early detection of diseases followed by minimally invasive, targeted and personalised therapy can have evident advantages for patients in terms of prognosis, health management, and economic implications. First, it can reduce excessive physical and biochemical alterations to the microenvironments, e.g., scarring after resection, antimicrobial resistance after antibiotics administration, etc., offering a better prognosis with fewer side effects. Micro/nanodevices can also be engineered to be implantable, enabling long-term health monitoring and treatment. Finally, the localised and precise manner of the technology allows efficient planning of the optimal procedures and accurate dosage, resulting in reduced cost.
Mr Seungyeop Kang
Research Postgraduate
Dr Jang Ah Kim
Lecturer
@article{Callens:2024:10.1302/1358-992x.2024.1.065,
author = {Callens, SJP and Burdis, R and Cihova, M and Kim, JA and Lau, QY and Stevens, MM},
doi = {10.1302/1358-992x.2024.1.065},
journal = {Orthopaedic Proceedings},
pages = {65--65},
title = {GEOMETRIC CONTROL OF BONE TISSUE GROWTH AND ORGANIZATION},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1302/1358-992x.2024.1.065},
volume = {106-B},
year = {2024}
}
TY - JOUR
AB - <jats:p>Cells typically respond to a variety of geometrical cues in their environment, ranging from nanoscale surface topography to mesoscale surface curvature. The ability to control cellular organisation and fate by engineering the shape of the extracellular milieu offers exciting opportunities within tissue engineering. Despite great progress, however, many questions regarding geometry-driven tissue growth remain unanswered.</jats:p><jats:p>Here, we combine mathematical surface design, high-resolution microfabrication, in vitro cell culture, and image-based characterization to study spatiotemporal cell patterning and bone tissue formation in geometrically complex environments. Using concepts from differential geometry, we rationally designed a library of complex mesostructured substrates (10<jats:sup>1</jats:sup>-10<jats:sup>3</jats:sup> µm). These substrates were accurately fabricated using a combination of two-photon polymerisation and replica moulding, followed by surface functionalisation. Subsequently, different cell types (preosteoblasts, fibroblasts, mesenchymal stromal cells) were cultured on the substrates for varying times and under varying osteogenic conditions. Using imaging-based methods, such as fluorescent confocal microscopy and second harmonic generation imaging, as well as quantitative image processing, we were able to study early-stage spatiotemporal cell patterning and late-stage extracellular matrix organisation. Our results demonstrate clear geometry-dependent cell patterning, with cells generally avoiding convex regions in favour of concave domains. Moreover, the formation of multicellular bridges and collective curvature-dependent cell orientation could be observed. At longer time points, we found clear and robust geometry-driven orientation of the collagenous extracellular matrix, which became apparent with second harmonic generation imaging after ∼2 weeks of culture.</jats:p><j
AU - Callens,SJP
AU - Burdis,R
AU - Cihova,M
AU - Kim,JA
AU - Lau,QY
AU - Stevens,MM
DO - 10.1302/1358-992x.2024.1.065
EP - 65
PY - 2024///
SN - 1358-992X
SP - 65
TI - GEOMETRIC CONTROL OF BONE TISSUE GROWTH AND ORGANIZATION
T2 - Orthopaedic Proceedings
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1302/1358-992x.2024.1.065
VL - 106-B
ER -
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