Biologically Inspired Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Approaches for Cancer Research
Assistant Professor Claudia Fischbach
Assistant Professor Claudia Fischbach presents a seminar in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering.
Tumor angiogenesis, desmoplasia, and metastasis are regulated by dynamic interactions between tumor and stromal cells. However, the biological and physical mechanisms by which these hallmarks of cancer are modulated still remain unclear due in part to the lack of appropriate model systems. The Fischbach-Teschl lab integrates tissue engineering, biomaterials, and cancer biology to gain an improved understanding of the molecular, cellular, and tissue level responses underlying tumor angiogenesis, desmoplasia, and bone metastasis. This talk will place a particular emphasis on the regulatory roles of tissue oxygen level and physiochemical properties of the extracellular matrix using tissue-engineered 3-D culture models in combination with microfabrication and materials science tools. These studies inform the development of improved therapies for cancer patients. Additionally, they generate knowledge critical to the design of safe and efficacious biomaterials for regenerative applications.
