Multiphasic Growth Factor Release from Fibrin Microthreads

Biomaterial scaffolds are used to aid in regeneration of tissue for volumetric muscle loss (VML) where natural regeneration fails. Fibrin microthreads are beneficial due to their mechanical properties, uniaxial cell alignment, and low cytotoxicity. We designed a composite system of a microthread bundle coated with a hydrogel to meet the unmet need of delivering two factors in different time domains to mimic natural healing and assist the regeneration process. Release from the microthreads and hydrogels was quantified with a protein assay and microthread release was validated semi-qualitatively with fluorescence microscopy. Results demonstrated that we created a dual factor, multi-phase release system to aid in skeletal muscle regeneration to potentially heal patients with VML injuries

Digital Resources for Teachers

In collaboration with the London Science Museum, our project team developed a digital resource for teachers to link objects in museum galleries to the British National Curriculum. We tested the effectiveness of this type of resource through evaluations of two prototypes on an iPad. After testing and data analysis, we provided recommendations for the Science Museum to move forward with this type of application development. Our results concluded that this type of resource is easy for teachers to use, and it is something teachers are engaged and motivated to use to bring content from the classroom to object-rich galleries in museums