Extracellular Matrix

Everyday doctors struggle to help heal patients with severe tissue damage. Doctors and engineers work together to develop new biomaterials in order to model or mimic the functions of the human body. They create new technologies for the regenerative medicine industry in order to help patients with severe tissue damage heal. The Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a major component of all body tissues. It provides shape and structural support for body tissues. If we can engineer a way to help damaged ECM repair itself, then more patients we will be able to help many patients who have lost the ability to heal their own bodies.
Students will learn how people need help to regenerate their body tissues and how the structure must be able to provide structure and shape for body tissues.  They will use a model that can support weight without collapsing.  Students will place a weight on top of the ECM structure they design.
 Strength testing of an orange material pushed over two white sheets with thin wires holding them up

Extracellular Matrix TEK8 Student Guide

The student handout will be given to all students working on the design
challenge. It gives a brief recap of the story, it helps the students identify what they are attempting to achieve, and it recaps the design process.

Extracellular Matrix TEK8 Instructor’s Guide

This Instructor’s Guide provides the instructor additional information on how to run the design challenge with alternatives for materials and test setups as well as information to help make the design challenge a good educational experience.

Telling the Story Video

The Telling the Story Video conveys the societal impact of the student’s research that is the basis for the design challenge and will set the problem-solving context for students.

Design Challenge Video

The Design Challenge Video leads students through the design process. It indicates materials available, states what the criteria are for success and any constraints. It also gives a second ‘level’ of the design challenge that allows ‘early completers’ to move on to a slightly more difficult challenge.

Prezi Presentation

The presentation can be used in conjunction or in place of the Design Challenge Video.