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Dissertation
RibbonGel scaffolds: design & manufacturing, in vitro & in vivo validation, and path to market
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
May 2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00011040
Abstract
Tissue engineering of load-bearing tissues such as cartilage and meniscus remains a major challenge due to their complex mechanical and structural requirements. This dissertation presents the development and application of a new scaffold--RibbonGel--to address this problem. RibbonGel consists of microribbon-shaped, crosslinkable elastomers fabricated using Dynamic Molding and Two-Step Crosslinking. These scaffolds are designed to mimic key features of the native extracellular matrix (ECM), including regional stiffness, porosity, and alignment, which impact cell behavior. By tuning these parameters, RibbonGel supports cell survival, proliferation, and zone-specific phenotype development. The ability to vary scaffold properties across regions enables the reconstruction of complex tissues with spatially distinct ECM composition, cellular phenotypes, and mechanical functions. The first part of this dissertation examined how side-chain functionalization affects RibbonGel microribbons. Functional groups were introduced to increase hydrophilicity, promote hydrophobicity, or enable photo-crosslinking. Varying the degree of these modifications altered the microribbons' microstructure, mechanical properties, swelling behavior, and degradation rate--parameters that can be optimized for different cell types and tissue applications. The second part developed a microribbon scaffold designed to circumferentially align vascular smooth muscle cells, replicating the organization of native blood vessels. This construction was applied as a lab-on-a-chip platform for drug testing in cardiovascular disease models. The third part used RibbonGel to regenerate zonally distinct meniscus tissues by varying cell source and tuning scaffold alignment, porosity, and stiffness. YAP/TAZ nuclear translocation was used to assess mechanotransducive signaling in response to these matrix cues. The fourth part explored the translational use of RibbonGel in a large animal model, demonstrating its effectiveness in supporting cartilage repair in horses via surgical implantation. The fifth and final part evaluated RibbonGels commercial and clinical potential through over 100 stakeholder interviews conducted as part of the NSF I-Corps National program. This analysis identified key opportunities and challenges related to regulatory approval, reimbursement, and clinical adoption. Together, this dissertation presents RibbonGel as a new scaffold system capable of guiding structurally and functionally distinct tissue regeneration. The work provides a foundation for future clinical translation in meniscus and cartilage repair, as well as broader applications in tissue engineering.
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Details
- Title
- RibbonGel scaffolds
- Creators
- Mahsa Karimi
- Contributors
- Li-Hsin Han (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 204 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Engineering (1970-2026); Mechanical Engineering (and Mechanics) [Historical]; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991022059036304721