Access Type
Open Access Thesis
Date of Award
January 2015
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.S.
Department
Biomedical Engineering
First Advisor
Gregory W. Auner
Abstract
The brain is the most complex organ in the body due to the multiple cell types,
billions of tightly packed synapses, extracellular matrix, and intricate topography. Microelectrical-mechanical
fabrication techniques exhibit promise in the field of neuronal
tissue engineering because the shape is highly controllable and a variety of materials can
be used in creation of bioreactors. This work evaluates the ability of a free standing TiO2
coated fractal scaffold to support healthy neuronal growth. Also evaluated is the
propensity for the neurons to take advantage of the 3D growing surface without the use of
complex extracellular matrix factors over the course of eleven days in vitro. The results
indicate that while it is possible for neurons to grow on the MEMs fabricated fractal
scaffold and grow in 3D, key adjustments to the scaffold and cell adhesion protein will
better facilitate long term neuronal growth in future generations of the brain bioreactor.
Recommended Citation
Broadbent, Brandy, "Evaluation Of Mems Fabricated Fractal Based Free Standing Scaffolds For The Purposes Of Developing A Brain Bioreactor" (2015). Wayne State University Theses. 447.
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/oa_theses/447