Date of Award
2008
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Anatomy and Cell Biology
Supervisor
Dr. Kem Rogers
Second Advisor
Dr. Derek Boughner
Abstract
A demand exists to bioengineer an aortic valve replacement in order to overcome the obstacles associated with current valve replacements. Tissue engineering may provide an alternative living valve replacement which demonstrates growth and repair capabilities. The aortic valve contains three functionally and structurally unique layers - the fibrosa, the spongiosa and the ventricularis. The middle spongiosa layer consists mainly of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which absorb shock and resist compression forces between the two outer layers of the valve. In order to construct a spongiosa-like layer, Matrigel-cell-scaffold-composites (MCSCs) were assembled by applying a mixture of Matrigel, porcine radial artery cells and endothelial growth media onto small intestinal submucosa. Static MCSCs demonstrated growth, glycosaminoglycan production, cell phenotype plasticity, and extracellular matrix remodeling with potential resemblance to the aortic valve spongiosa. These results indicate that MCSCs may act as an appropriate spongiosa-like foundation that could contribute to the completion of an autologous heart valve.
Recommended Citation
Eldred, Jordan R., "TISSUE ENGINEERING THE AORTIC VALVE SPONGIOSA: ASSESSING THE ABILITY OF MATRIGEL, RADIAL ARTERY CELLS AND SMALL INTESTINAL SUBMUCOSA TO FORM A SpongiOSA-LIKE layer" (2008). Digitized Theses. 4428.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4428