Three Dimensional Hydrogel Scaffolds and Applications in the CNS

Many of the on‐going challenges in regenerative medicine rely on understanding the cellular microenvironment sufficiently to create biomimetic structures that influence cell fate. We are particularly interested in guiding cell growth and differentiation within defined three‐dimensional scaffolds where the cellular microenvironment can be tuned to achieve the desired cellular response. To this end, we are examining three‐dimensional, chemically patterned hydrogel scaffolds for guided cell growth and differentiation using immobilized peptides and growth factors [1]. Cell‐cell interactions are key to the cellular microenvironment and, to better understand retinal stem cell niche, we investigated the co‐culture of retinal stem cells with endothelial cells, where we found a symbiotic relationship [2]. We have advanced the design of the hydrogel scaffold to control its physical, mechanical and chemical properties [3], which will influence cell migration and differentiation. Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR).