Injectable PEGDMA Microrods for Orthopedic Regeneration

Currently, fracture repairs are approached primarily through surgical fixation or bone graft implantation, with no well- adopted biologics or injectable materials widely available to promote fracture repair. Therefore, the development of translational and cost-effective strategies to accelerate fracture repair is a high priority. We have been testing novel biologics and engineering optimal delivery systems for local and sustained administration of growth factors. To that end, we’ve fabricated hydrogel-based microparticles for the controlled release of factors with the aim of promoting repair and regeneration.

(A) Photolithographically fabricated polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) μRods 100x15x15 μm in dimension. (B) Murine tibial fracture callus 7 days post-injection of PEGDMA μRods, with higher magnification of PEGDMA μRods (arrows) within fracture callus. (C) Bone tissue characterization via μCT 7 days post-injection shows that a single injection of beta nerve growth factor (β-NGF) PEGDMA μRods improves bone development comparable to repeated β-NGF injection.

Recent Publications: Rivera KO et al. (2020). Scientific Reports.  

Current/Future work:

  1. Topographical influence on orthopedic tissue repair
  2. Polycaprolactone NW delivery of β-NGF

Point(s) of contact: Kevin Rivera

Nanoparticles for drug delivery and bone formation

Osteomyelitis is a bone or bone marrow infection that requires prolonged antibiotic therapy and surgical debridement. We are developing nanoparticles that both release a therapeutic payload and restructure damaged bone.

Acute osteomyelitis causes destruction of bone as seen in the jaw bone in the lower right of the image.
Osteoblasts attach themselves to a calcium phosphate microparticle capable of delivering an antibiotic payload to areas of bone infection.