Date of Graduation

12-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering (MSBME)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Biomedical Engineering

Advisor/Mentor

Song, Young Hye

Committee Member

Nelson, Christopher E.

Second Committee Member

Balachandran, Kartik

Keywords

Breast Cancer; Spinal Cord Injury; Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Neuron infiltration is involved in a multitude of diseased states and is critical in the regeneration of physiologic conditions. Modeling of innervation in three-dimensional, heterogenous, environments would allow early investigation in the crosstalk of neurons and native cells in normal and pathophysiologic microenvironments to gain an understanding of mechanistic functions. This would allow for greater insight into the role of metabolism, cell adhesion, microenvironmental alternations, cellular crosstalk, and signaling pathways that play a role in the promotion and prevention of neurite growth. In this thesis, with the construction of collagen-based hydrogels as the foundation for cell culture, we investigate cell behavior in models that mimic native tissue microenvironments where neurite infiltration contributes to pathophysiology.

Available for download on Saturday, February 08, 2025

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