Bio-inspired Nanoparticles for Mechano-Regulation of Stem Cell Fate. Mechanical stimulation plays a critical role in regulating stem cell fate. Nanostructure-mediated mechanical cues can precisely stimulate stem cells, but predicting their impact on stem cell differentiation is challenging. This project aims to engineer nanostructures to regulate stem cell fate and gain a fundamental understanding of the mechanical properties that affect cell function. The expected outcomes and benefits of this ....Bio-inspired Nanoparticles for Mechano-Regulation of Stem Cell Fate. Mechanical stimulation plays a critical role in regulating stem cell fate. Nanostructure-mediated mechanical cues can precisely stimulate stem cells, but predicting their impact on stem cell differentiation is challenging. This project aims to engineer nanostructures to regulate stem cell fate and gain a fundamental understanding of the mechanical properties that affect cell function. The expected outcomes and benefits of this project include a new fundamental understanding of the effect of mechanical properties on cell function, novel insights into the regulation of stem cell fate, and the development of a new class of roughness-tunable materials suitable for use in tissue engineering and pharmaceutical applications. Read moreRead less
Replicating the cartilage micromechanical environment. Through a novel, image-guided mechanical evaluation of cell- and tissue-level remodelling, this project aims to unlock new insights into the complex mechanical microenvironment of cartilage and directly influence new strategies in tissue engineering. The research will reveal contributions of cells and extracellular matrix components to mechanical integrity over time. It will build a world-first strain map of the cartilage microenvironment an ....Replicating the cartilage micromechanical environment. Through a novel, image-guided mechanical evaluation of cell- and tissue-level remodelling, this project aims to unlock new insights into the complex mechanical microenvironment of cartilage and directly influence new strategies in tissue engineering. The research will reveal contributions of cells and extracellular matrix components to mechanical integrity over time. It will build a world-first strain map of the cartilage microenvironment and quantification of dynamic structural remodelling that occurs, providing key targets to improve tissue engineering strategies. The project will also drive innovation in micromechanical testing technology, deliver functional solutions in mechanobiology and advance materials for biological integration.Read moreRead less
Adrenomedullin: a specific regulator of venous vessel integrity. Arteries and veins display different adhesive properties, which enable them to fulfil their physiological roles. We are yet to understand the mechanisms that establish and maintain adhesive function in different vessel types. We have discovered that signalling by the peptide Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a key mediator of adhesion, only in veins but not arteries. This project aims to utilise innovative models (zebrafish, mouse and bioeng ....Adrenomedullin: a specific regulator of venous vessel integrity. Arteries and veins display different adhesive properties, which enable them to fulfil their physiological roles. We are yet to understand the mechanisms that establish and maintain adhesive function in different vessel types. We have discovered that signalling by the peptide Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a key mediator of adhesion, only in veins but not arteries. This project aims to utilise innovative models (zebrafish, mouse and bioengineered vessels) to identify the biochemical and mechanical mechanisms by which ADM controls venous adhesion. Outcomes will improve our understanding on how vessel integrity is controlled across vessel types and will expand the scope of Australian research by informing efforts to vascularise engineered tissues.Read moreRead less