Session Speaker

Self-Assembled Nano-Scaffolding for Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery
Hicham Fenniri, Baljit Singh, Thomas J. Webster
Canada

Rosette Nanotubes (RNTs) are a new class of soft biocompatible organic nanomaterials with tunable dimensions and properties. RNTs are obtained through the hierarchical self-assembly and self-organization of small synthetic organic molecules. These scaffolds can be readily functionalized with bioactive molecules such as cell attracting peptides, anti-cancer drugs, antibiotics, and other biomolecules of interest. This lecture will discuss (a) the design of a new family of self-assembled RNTs with enhanced chemical, mechanical and thermal stability, (b) their application as recyclable scaffolds for the generation of SiOx inorganic nanotubes, (c) their applications in bone tissue engineering, (d) and their role as drug delivery vehicles. Although these materials show promise in regenerative medicine, due to their dimensions and unique properties, they may also interfere with normal cellular processes. Thus, in vitro cell-based assays for evaluating how these materials, their composition and morphology affect cell function will also be discussed. In particular, dose-dependent cytotoxicity, material formulation and delivery will be highlighted.