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RESEARCH

self-assembling polyphilic polymers
pi-stacked conjugated oligomers
bioengineered polymers for tissue engineering

Bioengineered Polymers for Tissue Engineering

Adhesion of cells to substrates (both natural and unnatural) controlled by through protein-protein interactions. Efforts are underway to control the propertis of implant materials (e.g., titanium screws and artificial joints) to provide for great biocompatability. An ultimate goal for this research is to design biocompatible and biodegradable temporary implant materials which foster growth of new bone to replace the implant as it degrades away. This research, in collaboration with Marcus Weck and Andres Garcia (Mechanical Engineering), includes:

(i) the design of model interfaces using self-assembled monolayers on gold bearing biologically-relevant ligands;

(ii) surface initiated polymerization via atoms transfer radical polymerization to prepare robust and functional surface coatings for implants.

(iii) preparation of strong biocompatible and biodegradable poly(lactic acid), PLA, copolymer foams for bioengineering

Immobilization of a fragment of the protein fibronectin (FN7-10) onto non-adhesive surfaces: Immobilized FN7-10 (LEFT) supports efficient cell adhesion and spreading compared to non-adhesive surfaces (CENTER). RIGHT: Immunofluorescence staining for a5 integrin subunit on immobilized FN7-10.

Representative Publications
 

"Surface Chemistry Modulates Focal Adhesion Composition and Signaling Through Changes in Integrin Binding", B.G. Keselowsky, D.M. Collard, A.J. García, Biomaterials, 2004, 25, 5947-5954.

"Surface chemistry modulates fibronectin conformation and directs integrin binding and specificity to control cell adhesion" B.G.Keselowsky, D.M.Collard, A.J. Garcia, Journal of Biomedical Materials Research, Part A 2003, 66A, 247-259.

"Fibronectin Adsortion and Cell Adhesion to Mixed Monolayers of Tri(ethylene glycol)- and Methyl-terminated Alkanethiols", J.R. Capadona^†, D.M. Collard, A.J. Garcia, Langmuir 2003, 19, 1847.

"Engineering of integrin-specific biomimetic surfaces to control cell adhesion and function", A.J. García, D.M. Collard, B.G. Keselowsky, S.M. Cutler, N.D. Gallant, B.A. Byers, S.A. Stephansson, Biomimetic Materials and Design 2002, 29-53.

"Engineering of Integrin-Specific Biomimetic Surfaces to Control Cell Adhesion and Function", A.J. Garcia, D.M. Collard, B.G. Keselowsky, S.M. Cutler, N.D. Gallant, B.A. Byers, S.N. Stephansson, in Biomemetic Materials and Design: Biointerfacial Strategies, Tissue Engineering and Targeted Drug Delivery, Marcel Dekker, Inc, New York, NY 2002, pp29-54.

Professor David Collard
School of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA 30332-0400
 

Office: 2-70 Boggs Chemistry Building
Phone: (404) 894-4026
Fax: (404) 894-7452
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