Achievement

IGERT researchers are developing poly(B-amino ester) (PBAE) biodegradable hydrogel systems for use in tissue engineering applications. More specifically they are working to develop a material that will help regenerate damaged growth plate. Their goal is to combine particles of a fast degrading hydrogel system into a slower degrading outer matrix to allow for the controlled opening of pores while maintaining a scaffold with mechanical integrity to support new tissue growth. Three different PBAE hydrogels have been studied One has shown excellent viability with cells and hence, has been chosen as the outer matrix. Other hydrogel systems have been designed to show controlled pore openings. This research has resulted in a collaborative publication between Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering.