PhD studentship in Biomaterials and Cell Biology
Does Actifuse™ stimulate angiogenesis – an in vitro investigation?
University of Aberdeen
Co-funded by ApaTech Ltd
Supervisors: Dr Iain Gibson (Aberdeen) and Dr Tom Buckland (ApaTech)
This 3 year PhD project will test the hypothesis that silicate-substituted hydroxyapatite stimulates blood vessel formation using in vitro cell culture studies. Some quantitative [1] evidence of increased new vasculature in Si-HA bone graft implants in vivo has been observed, but this has not been correlated directly to the effect of the Si-substitution in the HA; increased new blood vessel formation may be a result of increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, or as an indirect result of the general wound healing cascade of events. Numerous in vivo studies have demonstrated that silicate-substituted hydroxyapatite bone graft (marketed as Actifuse™ by ApaTech Ltd.) accelerates bone repair compared to hydroxyapatite bone graft. The benefits of an implant material that stimulates osteogenesis and angiogenesis are obvious, yet there is little evidence of synthetic bone graft materials that elicit these responses in the absence of pre-adsorbed growth factors (a drug release strategy).
We have some early evidence that silicate ions in culture medium stimulate osteoblast cells to express higher levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a strong stimulator of angiogenesis, compared to silicate-free controls. We have been developing a number of in vitro models to study the effect of silicate ions in culture medium on angiogenesis. This project will extend this study to determine if Actifuse™, a commercial silicate-substituted hydroxyapatite, can stimulate angiogenesis in vitro. The project will use a variety of techniques including quantitative RT-PCR, immuno-chemistry, confocal and electron microscopy.
Funding includes an annual stipend at the current research council rate, and covers UK/EU fees. This funding does not cover overseas fees.
Entry requirements: Candidates will have the equivalent of a first class or upper second class degree in relevant disciplines, e.g. biomaterials, cell biology, bioengineering, materials science.
For further information, please contact Dr Iain Gibson in the first instance (01224 272912, i.r.gibson@abdn.ac.uk). Closing date is 30th April 2008.
