Marianna Sofman

Biological Engineering Graduate Student
B.S. Carnegie Mellon
Hometown: Allen, TX
Hobbies: cycling, swimming, cooking, movies

Development of 3D Microvascular Environments for Cell Systems Using Synthetic Biomaterials

Engineering biomaterials with desired properties plays a central role in tissue engineering. The development of accurate 3D model systems is essential for the in vitro study of microvasular tissue networks, therapeutic applications, and testing drug toxicity. This research focuses on the synthesis and modification of synthetic PEG-based polymer microparticles that can mimic and support different cellular environments, such as liver, muscle, and neural cells. These techniques can be readily extended to incorporate fibroblast and endothelial cell encapsulation that can support such systems.