Grants We Funded

Abstract
The fabrication of a bioreactor capable of generating compressive forces and active on-board feedback control to induce a chondrogenic phenotype in an animal model with autologous tissue has not previously been attempted. We plan to create a bioreactor that allows a trackable, non-destructive assessment of engineered tissue in vivo. This proposal also lays the groundwork for studying multiple other parameters that are of interest in generating cartilage (including fibrillin and elastin production, oxygen tension, and calcium concentration). In sum, this project will be part of a larger vision of making significant advances in the fields of tissue engineering, bioreactor construction, and the generation of clinically useful, flexible cartilage initially using a small animal model, and transitioning to a large animal model to complete preclinical trials in anticipation of clinical use.

Biography
John van Aalst, MD completed his undergraduate studies and obtained a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Dartmouth College. He received his medical degree from Vanderbilt University and completed his general surgery training at Case Western Reserve University. While in Cleveland, he spent three years performing research at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He completed both his plastic surgery and craniofacial training at Indiana University. He is currently an Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Director of Pediatric and Craniofacial Plastic Surgery, and Director of the UNC Craniofacial Fellowship, and Associate Chief of Surgical Services at the UNC Children’s Hospital. Dr. van Aalst is a Past President of the North Carolina Society of Plastic Surgeons and a Past President of the Palestinian Cleft Society. He is currently Chairperson of the International Outreach Committee of the American Cleft Palate Association.