dr. Lana Van Damme (MD, PhD)
Postdoctoral researcher, Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials group, UGent
Principal investigator: prof. Sandra Van Vlierberghe (PhD)
Research focus
Nowadays, breast implants, lipofilling and micro-surgical free tissue transfer are the most popular procedures to repair soft tissue defects resulting from mastectomies/lumpectomies following breast cancer. With breast cancer being the most common cancer affecting women worldwide, there is a clinical need for reconstructive strategies addressing current drawbacks and limitations. The development of biomimetic materials able to promote proliferation and adipogenic differentiation have gained increasing attention for adipose reconstructive purposes.
The aim of the current research project includes the development of hydrogels, able to function as a bio-ink for 3D printing purposes. Furthermore, biocompatibility, neovascularization and adipogenic differentiation of the encapsulated cells will be assessed. The project outcome could offer a shift towards a patient-specific 3D printed, reconstructive approach, that can potentially be safer and more cost-effective.
Contact & links
- Lab address: Krijgslaan 281, S4, 9000 Gent