Christopher Siedlecki, PhD

Professor of Surgery and Bioengineering
Department: Surgery
Email: cas38@psu.edu
Phone: 7175315716

 


Research Interests:
The response of blood system to synthetic materials upon implantation; interactions of proteins with biomaterial surfaces; development of novel strategies for synthesis and modification of biomaterials including nanotechnology; mechanisms of thrombogenesis, formation of surface-induced thrombus on implanted cardiovascular devices.
Systems/Organs:
Hematopoietic, hematoendothelial, cardiovascular
Cell/Cellular compartments:
Vasculature, blood cells, platelets, protein structure and its modifications.
Signaling pathways:
Pathways that induce thrombosis, activate adhesive proteins and coagulation factors
Diseases/Conditions:
Cardiovascular, heart failure
Focus Groups: Bioengineering; Hematopoiesis;

Research description: Translational/Regenerative
Our research focus is on understanding how chemical composition, hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance, charge, topography and other physical and chemical properties of biomedical materials influence cell surface protein’s structure and functions, and, ultimately, alter cellular physiology. One area of particular interest is the role of the biomaterial interface on initiation of thrombogenesis on implanted cardiovascular devices. Preliminary results suggest that both blood coagulation and platelet adhesion can be altered by changing the properties of biomedical materials at the sub-micron level. In principle, these studies focus on the applied aspects of biomaterials.

Technical expertise: We utilize a variety of surface techniques and in vivo and in vitro biological measurements in order to more clearly define what are the roles of surface chemistry, surface functionality, and surface energy in thrombogenesis in order to provide rationale for further development of blood-contacting materials.

Selected Publications:

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