Browsing by Author "Mills, David K."

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    Creating Structured Hydrogel Microenvironments for Regulating Stem Cell Differentiation
    (MDPI, 2020-12) Mills, David K.; Luo, Yangyang; Elumalai, Anusha; Esteve, Savannah; Karnik, Sonali; Yao, Shaomian; Mechanical and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology
    The development of distinct biomimetic microenvironments for regulating stem cell behavior and bioengineering human tissues and disease models requires a solid understanding of cell–substrate interactions, adhesion, and its role in directing cell behavior, and other physico-chemical cues that drive cell behavior. In the past decade, innovative developments in chemistry, materials science, microfabrication, and associated technologies have given us the ability to manipulate the stem cell microenvironment with greater precision and, further, to monitor effector impacts on stem cells, both spatially and temporally. The influence of biomaterials and the 3D microenvironment’s physical and biochemical properties on mesenchymal stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and matrix production are the focus of this review chapter. Mechanisms and materials, principally hydrogel and hydrogel composites for bone and cartilage repair that create “cell-supportive” and “instructive” biomaterials, are emphasized. We begin by providing an overview of stem cells, their unique properties, and their challenges in regenerative medicine. An overview of current fabrication strategies for creating instructive substrates is then reviewed with a focused discussion of selected fabrication methods with an emphasis on bioprinting as a critical tool in creating novel stem cell-based biomaterials. We conclude with a critical assessment of the current state of the field and offer our view on the promises and potential pitfalls of the approaches discussed.
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    Therapeutic Applications of Halloysite
    (MDPI, 2022) Mobaraki, Mohammadmahdi; Karnik, Sonali; Li, Yue; Mills, David K.; Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine
    In recent years, nanomaterials have attracted significant research interest for applications in biomedicine. Many kinds of engineered nanomaterials, such as lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, porous nanomaterials, silica, and clay nanoparticles, have been investigated for use in drug delivery systems, regenerative medicine, and scaffolds for tissue engineering. Some of the most attractive nanoparticles for biomedical applications are nanoclays. According to their mineralogical composition, approximately 30 different nanoclays exist, and the more commonly used clays are bentonite, halloysite, kaolinite, laponite, and montmorillonite. For millennia, clay minerals have been extensively investigated for use in antidiarrhea solutions, anti-inflammatory agents, blood purification, reducing infections, and healing of stomach ulcers. This widespread use is due to their high porosity, surface properties, large surface area, excellent biocompatibility, the potential for sustained drug release, thermal and chemical stability. We begin this review by discussing the major nanoclay types and their application in biomedicine, focusing on current research areas for halloysite in biomedicine. Finally, recent trends and future directions in HNT research for biomedical application are explored.