Our research interests are geared at discovering innovative approaches for tissue engineering the central nervous system (CNS) with the goal of generating new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, and traumatic brain/spinal cord injuries.  A serious need exists for treatments that can restore function in the CNS, since currently available clinical treatments for diseased or damaged CNS tissue are limited to the prevention of further damage and minor pharmacological relief.  Functional repair in the CNS can only be achieved by providing both endogenous and implanted cells with the proper physical and biochemical cues while combating the noxious environment that often accompanies CNS injuries and diseases.  We aim to stimulate functional regeneration of the central nervous system utilizing a combinational approach of engineered biomaterials, mechanical stimulation and stem cell sources. Our research specifically focuses on: (1) spinal cord functional tissue engineering incorporating mechanical stimulation (2) single cell mechanics and mechanotransduction and (3) 3D engineered microenvironments for regeneration of CNS tissues.

To contact us:

 

The University of Akron

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Whitby Hall 211

Akron, OH  44325-3906

 

Phone: 330-972-7250

Fax: 330-972-5856

E-mail: nic.leipzig@uakron.edu

Functional Tissue Engineering