Debra Auguste, Harvard University, 29 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138 and Robert Langer, Chemical Engineering and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room E25-342, Cambridge, MA 02139.
Human embryonic stem cells have the potential to differentiate into all types of cells. Our interest is in identifying strategies for stem cell differentiation through material interactions. We compare and contrast the microenvironment of two-dimensional spin coated disks and three-dimensional scaffolds made from natural and synthetic polymers. Differentiation into keratinocytes is observed through immunohistochemistry and PCR.