12-1-09

Dec. 1^st. 2009

· Jiankang:

Journal club on ‘Dynamic hydrogels: switching of 3D microenvironments using two-component naturally derived extracellular matrices’ from advanced materials.

He showed a good example of how to do journal club. There is good discussion on the innovative way the paper achieved to make reversible and dynamic crosslinking procedures. Also chemical and photo-damages are also potential problem.

· Masoud:

Update on the cell-docking paper:

§ Will further analyze and do statistical analysis on the data sent by Bonggeun.

§ Will make a standard deviation on the histogram (Fig. 3) to illustrate the statistical significance of the data analysis.

§ Consolidate simulation of Fig. 5 and 6 and supplementary figures.

· Matt:

Update on the simulation of the cross-gradient of Jiankang’s project:

§ Show the predicted gradient length grow of single and cross gradient during the back-and-forward flow reversible

§ Do a correlation and comparison between experimental and simulation data

§ Study the effect of downtime on the gradient grow during the flow reversal

· Dr. Sim:

Update on the mechanical simulation on the stem cell project:

§ RT-PCR results indicate no significant effect of physical stimulation on the stem cell differentiation. Will do more proper presentation of the PCR data such as adding GAPDH loading control data and quantification of the fluorescence intensity

§ Will shorten the time of the EB formation before replacing from the microwell (12h or one day). One suggestion from Jiankang is to directly transfer the EB-containing microwell into the flask to do mechanical stimulation.

§ Switch back to DMEM-based differentiation medium to reduce the effect of medium on stem cell differentiation

§ One suggestion is to change the EB formation time and culture medium one by one. Do not change two parameters at the same time.

Mahesh and Du:

Update on the Gelma gradient on angiogenesis control:

§ Having the problem of how to prevent cell gradient in the material gradient in the 3D context.

§ Matt’s suggestion is to pre-fill the channel with equal cell density and turn the channel over to let the cell fall down before UV crosslinking

Joe is absent due to personal issue.

Hiro, Wongu and Hao will present next time with more updates