Who is Professor Page?
Job
Professor and Researcher in the WPI Biomedical Engineering Department
The broader aspect he focuses on
What is Biomaterial Engineering
"What are some natural polymers used in skeletal muscle tissue engineering?"
collagen type I, agarose, alginate, fibrin, and collagen/chitosan
Name two growth factors commonly loaded into alginate gels to enhance skeletal muscle regeneration.
HGF and FGF2.
How might the use of growth factor-loaded scaffolds, as discussed in the articles, revolutionize the treatment of volumetric muscle loss injuries in the future?
Growth factor-loaded scaffolds could significantly enhance skeletal muscle regeneration, potentially leading to more effective treatments for volumetric muscle loss injuries.
Education
BS West Virginia University 1987
MS West Virginia University 1989
PhD Virginia Tech 1993
A little deeper of a focus
What is tissue engineering
What are the advantages of using natural polymers in tissue engineering compared to synthetic polymers?
Natural polymers possess intrinsic bioactive signaling cues and can form complexes with carbohydrates, enhancing cell migration and differentiation.
How does the controlled release of growth factors from biomaterials contribute to tissue regeneration, specifically in the context of skeletal muscle injuries?
Controlled release enhances cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation, fostering a conducive environment for tissue regeneration.
In what ways could the development of advanced biomaterials, such as the discussed microthreads, shape the future of regenerative medicine beyond skeletal muscle applications?
Advanced biomaterials like microthreads have the potential to serve as versatile platforms for regenerative medicine, impacting a range of tissue engineering applications.
work outside of WPI
"I currently consult for several companies in the area of development of cell and engineered tissue-based therapeutic product development and genetic diagnostics."
Another specific area of focus
Hint: a type of polymer
What is Natural Biopolymers
How do alginate gels contribute to skeletal muscle regeneration, and what growth factors are often associated with them?
Alginate gels facilitate controlled release of growth factors like HGF, FGF2, IGF1, and VEGF, improving overall vascularization and myoblast differentiation.
Why is the combination of multiple growth factors often preferred over the use of a single growth factor in tissue engineering applications?
Combining multiple growth factors synergistically enhances tissue regeneration by addressing various aspects such as cell survival, and tissue organization.
How might the optimization of natural polymers and the incorporation of bioactive signaling cues influence the design of future scaffolds for tissue engineering?
Optimized natural polymers with bioactive signaling cues could lead to the development of more effective and tailored scaffolds, not only for skeletal muscle but for diverse tissue engineering applications.
How does he help others when it comes to this field, BESIDES wpi student and faculty
"I also enjoy participating in training and mentoring programs involving undergraduates from peer institutions and secondary education teachers to help bring current biotechnological concepts into their curriculum."
A focus on cells
Cell Therapy
And/or
Cell Dedifferentiation and Differentiation
Describe the role of collagen in skeletal muscle regeneration. What challenges are associated with using collagen as a scaffold material?
Collagen facilitates myoblast migration but can lead to disorganized repair; challenges include amorphous polymerization and the need for growth factor supplementation.
What challenges are associated with the sustained delivery of growth factors in tissue engineering,?
Challenges include maintaining the bioactivity of growth factors and avoiding burst release.
what breakthroughs or advancements could address these challenges and propel the field of skeletal muscle regeneration in the future?
Breakthroughs may involve innovations in scaffold fabrication, improved methods for scaffold-cell alignment, and strategies to enhance endogenous regenerative processes.
Would he prefer students to work on a rigid, strict system?
NO!!!
"At the graduate level, I strive to create an environment where students are free to explore and develop their own independent ideas and concepts related to the overall research objectives."
What disease did he do research on (discussed in class)
Cancer
How do fibrin microthreads contribute to guided organization in skeletal muscle regeneration?
Fibrin microthreads facilitate cell alignment and can be loaded with growth factors.
How do fibrin microthreads contribute to aligned muscle regeneration
How do fibrin microthreads contribute to aligned muscle regeneration
How might the success of acellular scaffolds in clinical settings pave the way for future approaches in regenerative medicine, and what aspects need further exploration?
Acellular scaffolds' clinical success suggests a promising future for regenerative medicine. Further exploration should focus on refining scaffold properties and understanding their role in tissue regeneration.