Niamh Plunkett
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
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Publication
Featured researches published by Niamh Plunkett.
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B | 2009
Amir A. Al-Munajjed; Niamh Plunkett; John P. Gleeson; Tim Weber; Christian Jungreuthmayer; Tanya J. Levingstone; Joachim Hammer; Fergal J. O'Brien
The objective of this study was to develop a biomimetic, highly porous collagen-hydroxyapatite (HA) composite scaffold for bone tissue engineering (TE), combining the biological performance and the high porosity of a collagen scaffold with the high mechanical stiffness of a HA scaffold. Pure collagen scaffolds were produced using a lyophilization process and immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) to provide a biomimetic coating. Pure collagen scaffolds served as a control. The mechanical, material, and structural properties of the scaffolds were analyzed and the biological performance of the scaffolds was evaluated by monitoring the cellular metabolic activity and cell number at 1, 2, and 7 days post seeding. The SBF-treated scaffolds exhibited a significantly increased stiffness compared to the pure collagen group (4-fold increase), while a highly interconnected structure (95%) was retained. FTIR indicated that the SBF coating exhibited similar characteristics to pure HA. Micro-CT showed a homogeneous distribution of HA. Scanning electron microscopy also indicated a mineralization of the collagen combined with a precipitation of HA onto the collagen. The excellent biological performance of the collagen scaffolds was maintained in the collagen-HA scaffolds as demonstrated from cellular metabolic activity and total cell number. This investigation has successfully developed a biomimetic collagen-HA composite scaffold. An increase in the mechanical properties combined with an excellent biological performance in vitro was observed, indicating the high potential of the scaffold for bone TE.
Technology and Health Care | 2011
Niamh Plunkett; Fergal J. O'Brien
A bioreactor can be defined as a device that uses mechanical means to influence biological processes. In tissue engineering bioreactors can be used to aid in the in vitro development of new tissue by providing biochemical and physical regulatory signals to cells and encouraging them to undergo differentiation and/or to produce extracellular matrix prior to in vivo implantation. This chapter discusses the necessity for bioreactors in tissue engineering, the numerous types of bioreactor that exist, the means by which they stimulate cells and how their functionality is governed by the requirements of the specific tissue being engineered and the cell type undergoing stimulation.
Journal of Biotechnology | 2008
Michael J. Jaasma; Niamh Plunkett; Fergal J. O'Brien
In tissue engineering, flow perfusion bioreactors can be used to enhance nutrient diffusion while mechanically stimulating cells to increase matrix production. The goal of this study was to design and validate a dynamic flow perfusion bioreactor for use with compliant scaffolds. Using a non-permanent staining technique, scaffold perfusion was verified for flow rates of 0.1-2.0 mL/min. Flow analysis revealed that steady, pulsatile and oscillatory flow profiles were effectively transferred from the pump to the scaffold. Compared to static culture, bioreactor culture of osteoblast-seeded collagen-GAG scaffolds led to a 27-34% decrease in cell number but stimulated an 800-1200% increase in the production of prostaglandin E(2), an early-stage bone formation marker. This validated flow perfusion bioreactor provides the basis for optimisation of bioreactor culture in tissue engineering applications.
European Cells & Materials | 2010
John P. Gleeson; Niamh Plunkett; Fergal J. O'Brien
Tissue Engineering Part A | 2010
Niamh Plunkett; Sonia Partap; Fergal J. O'Brien
Archive | 2008
Fergal J. O'Brien; John P. Gleeson; Niamh Plunkett
Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine | 2010
Sonia Partap; Niamh Plunkett; Daniel J. Kelly; Fergal J. O’Brien
Archive | 2017
Fergal J. O'Brien; John P. Gleeson; Niamh Plunkett
Studies in health technology and informatics | 2010
Niamh Plunkett; Fergal J. O'Brien
Archive | 2008
Fergal J. O'Brien; John Glesson; Niamh Plunkett