Biomimetic Biomaterials

In addition to our cortical 3D microtissue model, the Hoffman-Kim Lab works with, and has generated, many biomimetic biomaterials to aid our efforts to produce the most in vivo relevant data using in vitro cell culture techniques.

Currently, we are exploring how mechanotopographical features affect pulmonary endothelial cell proliferation in an effort to study pulmonary hypertension in vitro. To do this, we create Biomimetic Synthetic Pulmonary Vessels (BSPVs) using the techniques outlined in the images to the right. We then use these platforms to generate polyacrylamide gels with tunable stiffness and topograpy. We then culture pulmonary endothelial cells on these polyacrylamide platforms and examine a variety of endpoints, including cell proliferation, cell stiffness, surface and structural markers.