3D tissue-formation

In addition to being controlled by biochemical and genetic factors, tissue growth is also influenced by the physical properties of the local cell environment such as stiffness and shape. We are particularly interested in evidence that the local geometry, namely the surface curvature of the substrate, controls the rate of cell proliferation and resultant tissue growth. Our goal is to combine theoretical models for tissue growth with in-vitro cell-culture experiments visualised using advanced 4D microscopy methods in order to understand the observed dependence of growth behaviour on curvature. We then aim to use our models to better understand the role of geometry on processes such as bone healing and remodelling.

Tissue growth on doubly curved surfaces

In our body and in biological systems in general, flat surfaces are rare, and thus cells are usually acting on curved surfaces with complex geometry. One example of such a system is our trabecular bone tissue consisting of a porous scaffold of a mineral-collagen hybrid material. The image shows a light microscopic image of the trabecular region of a chicken bone.

To explore how such structures are formed and to understand the inner structure of the material, we perform in-vitro experiments by seeding bone forming cells on doubly curved scaffolds (so-calles capillary bridges) and track cell orientation, collagen formation and tissue formation.

Using flurorescence staining and 3D lightsheet microscpüy cell-skeleton orientation is quantified. More details can be found in our publication "Twisted-plywood-like tissue formation in vitro. Does curvature do the twist?" published by Schamberger et al..

In our latest ongoing projects we focus on the effect of curvature on cellular dynamics using time-resolved 3D microscopy, on the investigation of tissue growth mechanisms under geometric constraints, and on the effect of complex curvature fields on cellular behavior.