electrical stimulation for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

WHAT IS OUR RESEARCH FOCUS?

Our primary research focus on Electrical Stimulation (ES) with intensities similar to the endogenous bioelectrical fields.

ES is recognized as a promising tool in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, showing great potential in wound healing acceleration and tissue regeneration. Many laboratories including ours previously showed cellular responses such as proliferation, differentiation and migration to ES. But are these responses specific and controllable? What are the optimum ES parameters? Is it possible to communicate a precise message with cells through bioelectric codes?

Currently, this research focus is broken down into three research lines:

  • Developing ES devices and uncovering the electrochemical fundaments of ES
  • Uncovering the role of ES in neural differentiation, repair and survival
  • Investigating ES as a tool to control cell secretion

Developing ES devices and uncovering the electrochemical fundaments of ES

In our research, we investigate the use of Electrical Stimulations (ES) to enhance tissue regeneration. Despite its potential, the most effective combination of ES parameters remains uncertain. To address this, we study the electrochemical features associated with biophysical responses. Our work involves characterizing diverse in vitro ES systems under biologically relevant conditions to refine these parameters.

Equivalent Circuit

Uncovering the role of ES in neural differentiation, repair and survival

Central nervous system (CNS) disorders are among the

few unsolved health challenges in the 21st century, which

causes huge socio-economic burdens. Our goal is to enhance our knowledge of how electrical stimulation impacts neural plasticity, to combat CNS diseases, by dissecting the intricate interactions between electrical signals and neural adaptability at the molecular level.

Effect of electrode surface in delivering ES

Investigating ES as a tool to control cell secretion

We are investigating the intricate connections between electrical stimulation (ES) and cell behaviour, focusing on vital elements such as alterations in Vmem, calcium influx, and lipid rafts, which play pivotal roles in regulating cell secretions. Our research aims to answer crucial questions: What impact does low voltage/low frequency ES have on cell secretion? Can ES be utilized to enhance extracellular vesicles (EVs) production? Furthermore, can ES be harnessed to precisely control and manipulate the cargo of EVs, ensuring their pro-regenerative properties?

Dr. Sahba Mobini

“My main research work has encompassed studies on effect of electrical stimulation on regenerative responses of cells and tissues.”

Project PI

Dr. María Ujué Gonzaléz

“I am a physicist with expertise in optics/nanophotonics, nanomaterials fabrication and characterization, and electron microscopy.”

Científica Titular CSIC

Nuria Cortes Carrillo

B.S. Biochemistry. Technician

Gaurav Kulkarni

Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering. Postdoctoral Researcher

María del Pilar Diego Santiago

M.S. BioPhysics. Research Assistant