Liver Tissue In Vitro (continued)
Extending this work on 2-D model substrates to 3-dimensional surfaces will facilitate the further study of the 3-dimensional microenvironment on hepatocyte fate, polarity, and differentiated function. This work utilizes a well-characterized, biocompatible polymer that can be easily molded to vary the topology of the polymer surface- polydimethylsiloxane.

SEM Image of PDMS Channel (120 µm by 40 µm)

Similarly, approaches are underway to examine: (1) the role of homotypic (hepatocyte/hepatocyte) cell-cell interactions thought to be important in function of hepatocyte spheroids, (2) cell-ECM interactions thought to be important in 'sandwich' hepatocyte culture, and (3) physicochemical stimuli (such as oxygen tension) thought to be important in zonation of the lobule and glucose homeostasis.

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Research Interests

1. BioMEMS
   Our efforts have focused on the development of microtechnology tools for cell biology research and tissue engineering applications.

2. Hepatic Tissue Engineering
   We study the effects of the tissue microenvironment on the hepatocyte phenotype in vitro, for applications in cell-based therapies.