Optimizing Cell Cultivation via Electro-spun Titania-Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) Nanofiber Mats
Faculty Mentor Information
Prof. D. Eric Aston
Abstract
Electro-spun nanofiber mats have been known to promote cellular growth due to the nanoscale structure of the fiber mats aligning with the cells extracellular matrix. This provides an environment where the structural and biochemical properties encourage cellular growth. The nanofiber mat that will be used in this experiment, poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-titania, should be appropriate for this optimization. This is because both the poly(vinylpyrrolidone), or PVP polymer and titania precursor used in the formation of this fiber mat have been shown to improve cellular growth. In addition, the easily customizable process of electro-spinning can be brought to control the PVP-titania nanofiber mats contact angles/wettability. Meaning that certain variations in spinning time and syringe distance along with the proper heat treatment of these nanofiber mats can optimize cell adhesion and culture. This optimization of the cell culturing process using the PVP-titania can be carried out in a basic microchannel and fluorescent particles for ease of analysis. For this project, I will be controlling the contact angles/wettability of the titania-PVP fiber mats with insulating glass substrates backed with conducting materials in order to optimize the cultivation of cells in micro channels.
Optimizing Cell Cultivation via Electro-spun Titania-Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) Nanofiber Mats
Electro-spun nanofiber mats have been known to promote cellular growth due to the nanoscale structure of the fiber mats aligning with the cells extracellular matrix. This provides an environment where the structural and biochemical properties encourage cellular growth. The nanofiber mat that will be used in this experiment, poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-titania, should be appropriate for this optimization. This is because both the poly(vinylpyrrolidone), or PVP polymer and titania precursor used in the formation of this fiber mat have been shown to improve cellular growth. In addition, the easily customizable process of electro-spinning can be brought to control the PVP-titania nanofiber mats contact angles/wettability. Meaning that certain variations in spinning time and syringe distance along with the proper heat treatment of these nanofiber mats can optimize cell adhesion and culture. This optimization of the cell culturing process using the PVP-titania can be carried out in a basic microchannel and fluorescent particles for ease of analysis. For this project, I will be controlling the contact angles/wettability of the titania-PVP fiber mats with insulating glass substrates backed with conducting materials in order to optimize the cultivation of cells in micro channels.