Timothy Wick, Ph.D., research interests are in development of bioreactors and bioprocesses for tissue engineering and development of flow systems to characterize blood cell adhesion to endothelial cells and biomaterials. In tissue engineering, his expertise ranges from fundamental studies of tissue development to bioprocessing for large-scale tissue production. Tissues are complex three-dimensional structures that perform multiple metabolic and mechanical functions. Proper tissue function in vivo requires that tissue architecture and differentiated function be replicated prior to implantation. As tissue engineering transitions from bench scale research to large scale production of tissue for human therapy, bioreactor technology and bioprocess engineering principles are necessary to facilitate large-scale, aseptic growth of functional tissues to meet patient demand. His research group has developed novel bioreactors that deliver well-defined spatial and temporal nutrient transport and mechanical loading to produce tissues with correct biochemical and mechanical characteristics for human implantation, focusing on cartilage and arteries as model tissues.
Media Contact:
Andrew Hayenga
(205) 934-1676
ahayenga@uab.edu