The goal of the project is to develop an ultrasound-based methodology for the fabrication of mechanically, structurally, and biologically tunable tissue-guiding ex vivo constructs for the regeneration of bone defects. Ultrasound will be used to align, stimulate, and visualize specially designed anisotropic tissue constructs.

The acoustic forces are used

• for the structured organization of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) growth factor encapsulated in liposomes in the in situ polymerization gel.
• to control of the (specific and temporal) release of BMP-2 from the immobilized liposomes.
• for the promotion of cellular survival throughout the construct and
• the reduction of BMP-2 concentration required for efficient osteogenic differentiation of cells

Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (SAM) and High-Frequency Acoustic Biomicroscopy is uesd to 

• for the longitudinal imaging of the tissue constructs
• obtain additional information about the evolution of mechanical properties

Proejct members:

• Dr. Regina Puts
• Hui Zhang
• B.Sc. Nirina Beilfuß

Project funding:

• DFG Pu701/1-1