Project 93: Developing Biomaterials to Recreate Physiological-Relevant Brain Signaling Cues

Contact Information:

Assoc. Prof. Wanlu Li

Email: liwanlu-0424@sjtu.edu.cn

Project Description and Objectives:

The neural extracellular matrix (ECM) influences cellular proliferation, dif­ferentiation, migration and maturation throughout brain development. Although the neural ECM shapes key developmental processes, 2D and 3D culture approaches rely mostly on heterogenous, insufficiently manipulatable ECM­inspired materials (such as Matrigel) or are cultured as free­floating cell aggregates devoid of exogenous. Therefore, the introduction of biomaterials that better emulate the composition or downstream signaling effects of the endogenous neural ECM may yield cell culture models with more biomimetic neural proliferation, differentiation, migration and maturation. In this project, we aim to develop biomaterials that imitate the physiological-relevant brain signaling cues. The students will join a team of graduate students and research faculty members. Techniques used in this project will include but are not limited to cell culture, biomaterial synthesizing, and data analysis.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be at least in their sophomore year.

Basic knowledge in biology and biomaterials.

Main Tasks:

Attend weekly lab meetings and carry out experiments.

Give two research presentations (one on literature review, one on research progress).

Finish a research report.

Website:

Lab: http://bme.sjtu.edu.cn/ 

School: http://bme.sjtu.edu.cn/