Surface-engineered Substrates that Prime Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Gene Editing

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The nexus between the interfacial properties of stem cell culture substrates and the physicochemical attributes of polyplexes is yet to be probed methodically. Ramya proposes to explore the interplay between surface chemical cues and polyplex properties by transfecting iPSCs cultured on surface-engineered substrates of diverse chemical functionalities and brush architectures.

These efforts will help us understand how iPSC morphology, adhesion and proliferation are influenced by substrate features such as polymer brush composition, brush thickness, mechanical compliance, wettability, surface charge and interfacial roughness. Further, she will explore whether enhanced iPSC adhesion and proliferation will translate into improved polyplex uptake and editing efficiency.