Project Summary:

In order to determine the effects of mechanical stress, in conjunction with nano-tailored substrates, on mesenchymal bone marrow, the following devices will be used: the confocal microscope for imaging, and the Focused Ion Beam (FIB) for creating masters (for stamps used in contact printing). The effects of changing parameters such as contact time, substrate, and protein for use in patterned-contact printing will be studied in order to optimize a printing protocol for nano-scale printing. Applications of this research include the understanding of mechanical stress and surface attachment in the context of arteriogenesis and angiogenesis. Therapeutic applications include heart disease, cancer treatment and tissue engineering.