Ken Webb, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Bioengineering
B.S. Agricultural & Biological Engineering, 1992
Clemson University
Ph.D. Bioengineering, 1999 University of Utah
Clemson UniversityPh.D. Bioengineering, 1999 University of Utah
Research Interests
Tissue Engineering
Wound Healing
Cell-Surface Interactions
Wound Healing
Cell-Surface Interactions
Email:
Office: 501-3 Rhodes Research Center
Phone: 864.656.7603
Office: 501-3 Rhodes Research Center
Phone: 864.656.7603
Laboratory
Honors, Awards, and Professional Activities
coming soon Current Research
Connective Tissue Engineering
The objective of this project is to understand the role of externally applied mechanical forces in the regulation of connective tissue matrix composition and biomechanical properties. The work is based on the culture of fibroblasts in 3-dimensional, porous, elastomeric substrates in cyclic strain bioreactors. Previously, we have shown that a preliminary regimen of cyclic strain stimulates fibroblast proliferation, collagen matrix accumulation, and increased biomechanics of the fibroblast/substrate composites. The next aim of this work is to characterize dose-dependent effects of strain amplitude, frequency, and duration on fibroblast gene matrix gene expression, synthesis, cross-linking, and the development of biomechanical properties. The basic knowledge gained through these studies will provide a rational basis for culturing structurally and biomechanically competent cell-based replacements for tendon, ligament, and other connective tissues.
Wound Healing
Fibroblast/myofibroblast extracellular matrix contraction is a critical component of the wound-healing process. Insufficient contraction is associated with chronic wounds, while excessive wound contracture may lead to excessive scar formation. The objective of this project is the development of a bioreactor design capable of real-time monitoring and responsiveness to cellular contractile forces. The first application of this bioreactor system will be as a wound healing model, to examine changes in fibroblast gene expression in response to substrate contraction at physiological rates. In addition, the model will serve as a platform for examining the ability of proteins and pharmaceuticals to regulate cellular contractile force during wound healing.
Biomaterials for Spinal Cord Repair
The objective of this project is the development of biomaterial bridges functionalized with developmentally expressed neuronal growth promoting proteins to stimulate and direct axonal regeneration following injury. Two critical factors stimulating axonal growth in the developing central nervous system are neural cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and neurotrophic factors. This project seeks to develop a "binary" immobilization strategy that will allow the simultaneous controlled immobilization of CAM/CAM and CAM/ neurotrophic factor combinations to biomaterial substrates to investigate and utilize their synergistic interactions in stimulating axonal outgrowth. Full recovery of sensory and motor function following spinal cord injury will require the regeneration of multiple neuronal pathways, which are differentially responsive to various CAMs and neurotrophic factors. Ultimately, this type of immobilization strategy may be used to prepare individual components of multi-filament or channel-based bridging materials with different combinations of bioactive signals to stimulate the regeneration of diverse neuronal cells types.
Recent Publications
K. Webb, W. Li, R. W. Hitchcock, R. M. Smeal, S. D. Gray, and Patrick A. Tresco. “Comparison of human fibroblast ECM-related gene expression on elastic three-dimensional substrates relative to two-dimensional films of the same material.” Biomaterials, 24:4681-90 (2003).
K. Webb, E. Budko, T. E. Neuberger, S. Chen, M. Schachner, and P. A. Tresco. "Substrate-bound human recombinant L1 selectively promotes neuronal attachment and outgrowth in the presence of astrocytes and fibroblasts." Biomaterials, 22:1017-1028 (2001).
K. Webb, K. D. Caldwell, and P.A. Tresco. "A novel surfactant based immobilization method for varying substrate bound fibronectin." Journal of Biomedical Materials Research, 54:509-518 (2001).
R. Biran, K. Webb, M. D. Noble, and P. A. Tresco. "Surfactant-immobilized fibronectin enhances bioactivity and regulates sensory neurite outgrowth." Journal of Biomedical Materials Research, 55:1-12 (2001).
K. Webb, V. Hlady, and P. A.Tresco. "Relationships among cell attachment, spreading, cytoskeletal organization, and migration rate for anchorage-dependent cells on model surfaces." Journal of Biomedical Materials Research, 49:362-368 (2000).
