Development of Injectable Biomaterials for the Repair of Dura
The dura mater is a layer of tissue encasing the brain and spinal cord. It serves mainly as a barrier, protecting the brain, spinal cord and cerebrospinal fluid (CNF). In order to surgically treat many neurological conditions, doctors must often cut the dura to reach the spinal cord or brain. If left unrepaired, a defect in the dura can allow CNF leakage and further neurological damage as well as the risk of infection and other complications. As such, there is a clinical need for methods to repair the dura.
We have developed a crosslinkable collagen gel formulation that has been used successfully in intervertebral disc repair. The gel is injectable, and has been shown to inhibit the progress of disc degeneration. Furthermore, our collagen gel formulation can be delivered to an in vivo model with little immune response observed from the body. Our success with this collagen gel has prompted us to consider its use as a dura sealant.
A collaborative team including members of the Härtl Lab (Weill Cornell NYC/Hospital for Special Surgery), and the Bonassar Lab (BME/MAE) are currently expanding our neurological repair efforts to include repair of the spinal dura. The goal of this project is to assess the ability of our crosslinked collagen gel formulations to seal defects in a spinal dura model.
A proposed model has been used by research groups in the development of commercially available spinal dura sealants. Defects made in a collagen-based casing are then sealed with the substance to be tested. Once the substance has finished polymerizing, the casing is placed under pressure to assess repair ability. Students would be: validating the model and testing different gel formulations as well as established dura sealants.
This project is well suited for a student who is familiar with mechanical testing, fundamental biochemistry, as well as data analysis in Excel and MATLAB. Interested students should forward a copy of a resume and unofficial transcript to Professor Bonassar:
Contact: Prof. L.J. Bonassar
Email: lb244@cornell.edu
Phone:5-9381
Office:149 Weill Hall