IBTWYPDCF (Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka-Dot Collagen Fibers)

- To determine the efficacy of electropatterned collagen/PEO to promote cell attachment.
- To estimate the “minimal” pattern required for attachment.
- To demonstrate collagen I gene expression in 3T3 cells attached for 1 week.
- To determine viability of 3T3 cells on these surfaces after 2 weeks.

Team Blue Genes

In an 3D agarose culture designed to replace damaged or diseased cartilage, determine the effect of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine on:
- Rex cell collagen II gene expression after 1 week of culture.
- amount of collagen II in the culture after two weeks.
- mechanical properties of the gel after two weeks.
- Rex cell viability after two weeks of culture.

Team Black Polo

Using smooth muscle cells in a 3D collagen culture:
- determine the mechanical properties of the gel after two weeks.
Using 3T3 fibroblasts in a 3D collagen culture:
- demonstrate collagen I gene expression after one week.
- determine for various collagen gel thicknesses the viability of cells after one week.

Team ‘Toga

In an 3D agarose culture designed to replace damaged or diseased skin, determine the effect of UV exposure on:
- 3T3 collagen I gene expression after 1 week of culture.
- amount of collagen I in the culture after two weeks.
- mechanical properties of the gel after two weeks.
- 3T3 viability after two weeks of culture.

Team T75

Determine the effect of “stiffness” (collagen gel concentration, possibly in an agarose mixture) on:
- HepG2 albumin gene expression after one week of culture.
- HepG2 albumin secretion rate after one week of culture.

Mango Tapioca

In a 3D agarose culture, determine the effect of ethanol on:

- HepG2 albumin gene expression after one week of culture.
- HepG2 albumin secretion rate after one week of culture.
- HepG2 viability after two weeks of culture.

The Boners

In a 3D agarose culture, determine the effect of vitamin C on:
- hFOB alkaline phosphatase gene expression after one week of culture.
- hFOB alkaline phosphatase activity after two week of culture.
- hFOB doubling time.

Team ACEE

For 3T3 fibroblasts in 2D culture:
- determine the effect of different collagen concentrations on collagen I gene expression after one week.
- determine the effect of different collagen concentrations on doubling time.
- determine the effect of different collagen concentrations on cell migration.