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Faculty of Graduate Studies

Thiago Antonio Moretti de Andrade

  • BSc (University Center of Barao de Maua, Brazil, 2003)

  • MSc (University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, 2007)

  • PhD (University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, 2012)

Notice of the Final Oral Examination for the Degree of Master of Applied Science

Topic

A microgel-based approached for optimized wound healing

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Date & location

  • Tuesday, October 7, 2025

  • 11:00 A.M.

  • Virtual Defence

Reviewers

Supervisory Committee

  • Dr. Mohsen Akbari, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria (Supervisor)

  • Dr.   Samira Ghaehkani, Department of Mechanical Engineering, UVic (Member) 

External Examiner

  • Dr. Devika Chithrani, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Victoria 

Chair of Oral Examination

  • Dr. Tom Ruth, Department of Physics and Astronomy, UVic

     

Abstract

Skin tissue engineering strategies that leverage the properties of biomaterials for in vitro wound healing investigation have emerged as an effective approach to creating more realistic models providing ethically and scientifically preferable models to animal experimentation. Granular material with spherical-shape and rod-shape have stood out in this scenario, creating a biocompatible interface for cell proliferation and migration. Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) is a pivotal crosslinkable hydrogel in the fabrication of granular biomaterials due to its versatile properties in enhancing the mechanical strength, and biocompatibility. Therefore, the combination of GelMA’s cell-friendly properties and the enhanced porosity generated among its particles in microgel mimicking the extracellular matrix underscores the novelty of this study in investigating the viability, migration, and proliferation of the keratinocytes in the microgel-based to optimize in vitro wound healing investigation. To address this investigation, it was strategically designed and printed (by Anycubic 4K Mono printer - DLP-based) one structure to be used as a mold of the 7.5% GelMA with keratinocytes (1.0 × 106 / mL of GelMA) in the 12-well plates after its crosslinking by 405 nm LEDs. The middle of this mold was designed to form one vat in the middle of the 7.5% GelMA that is intended to be placed the microgel (10% GelMA spherical-shape with 5% GelMA between the particles to crosslink all microgel in the 7.5% GelMA ring) with no keratinocytes. As the microgel was surrounded by keratinocytes in 7.5% GelMA (from its bottom and around), the aim of this study was to investigate the viability and migration of the keratinocytes from the GelMA to the microgel area naturally and by themselves, with any stimulation nor chemotaxis. The control group was the 10% GelMA bulk (non-microgel) placed in the vat, in the same conditions as the experimental group (GelMA spherical-shape). Live/dead was performed to evaluate the keratinocytes’ viability; DAPI stain analyses (from the 3D construct samples and from the 2D cryostat-slices’ samples) were to confirm keratinocytes’ migration, all analysis were investigated on days 1, 3 and 7. Overall, the model has been shown to be feasible, more realistic and promising for studying cell migration, taking advantage the GelMA’s porosity and the enhanced GelMA microgel’s porosity, making suitable for short-term in vitro wound healing investigation with no vascularization. The model established here allows cell migration to be studied both from the bottom and across surrounding areas, providing a more relevant system than traditional 2D cultures. The most challenging steps of this project are sorted out. With the second mold design, the most suitable method has been established, and the optimal GelMA bioink concentration for promoting keratinocyte migration has been identified. Beyond this, the established method offers a foundation for future studies and broader applications in wound healing and regenerative medicine.

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