The Stem Cell Podcast Ep. 55: Biomaterials and Stem Cells Featuring Dr. David Mooney
Oct 14, 2015
Dr. David Mooney, Pincus Family Professor of Bioengineering at Harvard, explores how biomaterials like hydrogels can enhance stem cell integration post-transplant. He discusses engineering materials to guide stem cell behavior and how hydrogels can protect and enhance cell survival. The conversation dives into the mechanics of these materials, including alginate's gentle encapsulation and their future role in clinical applications. Mooney shares his journey from chemical to tissue engineering, highlighting innovation in stem cell therapies.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Materials Direct Stem Cell Decisions
- Biomaterials shape stem cell fate by providing physical and chemical cues that mimic tissue environments.
- David Mooney focuses on designing materials that control proliferation, migration and differentiation in vivo.
How Hydrogels And Pores Work
- A hydrogel is a water-swollen polymer network and many extracellular matrices are hydrogel-like.
- Mooney's gels form pores over time by embedding degradable beads, creating channels for cell trafficking.
Protect Cells With Adhesive Hydrogels
- Encapsulate cells in a soft hydrogel to protect them during injection and initial engraftment.
- Design the gel to present adhesion ligands so cells sense mechanics and then migrate into tissue through pores.