Graduation Year
2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Ph.D.
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Degree Granting Department
Engineering
Major Professor
Nathan Gallant, Ph.D.
Co-Major Professor
Alex Volinsky, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Garrett Matthews, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Ryan Toomey, Ph.D.
Committee Member
William Lee, Ph.D.
Keywords
Poly (dimethylsiloxane), Fibroblast, Focal adhesion, Wettability
Abstract
Cells have the ability to sense the rigidity of the extracellular matrix which directly affects the control of cellular functions in development, wound healing and malignant transformation. Polydimethylsiloxane elastomers are useful model biomaterials for mechanotransduction studies because they possess several advantages including ease of fabrication, tunable elasticity and modifiable surface chemistry. In this work, we are investigating the influence of matrix stiffness on adhesion strength and the mechanosensory structures that regulate these processes. In addition, the effect of surface modifications to this elastic substrate system on other physical properties such as local stiffness and topography will be analyzed. Based on previous research, we hypothesized that cell adhesion dependent processes will be regulated by matrix stiffness, but that surface chemistry influences on protein adsorption could provide overriding regulatory signals. The results of this research will provide insight into the interconnected processes of mechanosensing and cell adhesion strengthening, and reveal criteria for designing instructive biomaterials with specific mechanical and chemical properties.
Scholar Commons Citation
Sharfeddin, Asma Sharfeddin, "Mechanotransduction of Matrix Stiffness Regulates Cell Adhesion Strength: An Analysis Using Biomaterial Surfaces with Tunable Mechanical and Chemical Properties" (2016). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/6387
