Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic

Title: Meet Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic: Innovator in Tissue Engineering and Cardiac Research

Introduction:

Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic is a prominent figure in the field of tissue engineering and cardiac research. Based in New York, NY (US), she has made significant contributions to the development of advanced bioreactor platforms and personalized bone grafting techniques. With 26 patents to her name, Vunjak-Novakovic's work has revolutionized our understanding of cardiac hypertrophy and bone regeneration.

Bioreactor Platform for Mechanical Stimulation of Cardiac Microtissue:

One of Vunjak-Novakovic's latest patents involves a smart micro bioreactor platform for high-throughput mechanical stimulation of cardiac microtissue. This innovation enables repetitive and robust manipulation of cardiac tissues, with real-time analysis of tissue phenotypes. By subjecting cardiac microtissues to concentrated loading, the platform faithfully recapitulates the pathology of volume overload observed in native heart tissue. The sustained volume overload in microtissues induces pathological cardiac remodeling, providing valuable insights into cardiac hypertrophy.

Personalized Bone Grafting Technique:

Another significant invention by Vunjak-Novakovic is a method for making personalized bone grafts. Using image-based modeling of a patient's bone structure, a complex three-dimensional scaffold is created and perfused with human mesenchymal stem cells. The bioreactor housing this scaffold facilitates controlled flow and perfusion of cells, leading to dense and uniform cellular growth throughout the entire graft. This innovation enables the cultivation of anatomically-shaped, human bone grafts ex vivo, which hold great potential in bone regeneration therapies.

Professional Overview:

Vunjak-Novakovic has contributed her expertise to top academic institutions and companies throughout her career. She has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including Keith Yeager and David L Kaplan. Some of the institutions Vunjak-Novakovic has been associated with include:

1. Columbia University in the City of New York: Vunjak-Novakovic has made significant contributions to the field of tissue engineering at Columbia University. Her work has helped establish the university as a leading institution in this field.

2. Tufts College: Vunjak-Novakovic's professional journey includes collaborations and contributions to Tufts College. Her research and patents have laid the foundation for advancements in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Conclusion:

Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic's prolific career and groundbreaking patents have significantly advanced the fields of tissue engineering, cardiac research, and bone regeneration. Her innovative bioreactor platforms and personalized bone grafting techniques have opened new avenues for scientific exploration and medical advancements. As a respected figure in the industry, Vunjak-Novakovic continues to inspire future generations of innovators and researchers in the pursuit of transformative technologies in healthcare.