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Polymers for Stem Cells in Orthopædics

The laboratory of Johnna S. Temenoff is based in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University.

The goal of our laboratory is to design polymeric biomaterials to enhance stem cell functions for specific orthopædic applications, including regeneration of tendon/ligament, cartilage and bone. These stem cell “promote-mers” are used in conjunction with other biochemical and mechanical stimuli to promote priming of stem cells to express a particular phenotype, as well as promote cell engraftment and retention at the site of injury.

More specifics on our research interests can be found at the links below.

Mechanical Forces and Stem Cell Phenotype

  • Priming Cells Using Tensile Loading: Investigate the effects of mechanical forces on differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells toward the tendon/ligament lineage.
  • Ex vivo Tissue Engineered Tendon/Ligament: Develop suitable biologically-derived replacements for tendon/ligament tissues.
  • View a video on YouTube of Dr. Temenoff explaining this research.

Stem Cell Interaction with Soluble Factors

  • Co-culture for Stem Cell Differentiation: Develop 3D co-culture systems to better understand how stem cells interact with surrounding cells.
  • Growth Factor Uptake in Scaffolds: Engineer interactions between scaffolds and soluble growth factor molecules to release them from, or retain them within, a synthetic matrix.

Animal Models of Tendon Injury

  • Growth Factor Delivery: Deliver growth factors to injured tendon tissues to promote healing.
  • Stem Cell Delivery: Deliver stem cells to injured tendon tissues to promote healing.