“Over this summer, I had the chance to continue my previous work with Kate to investigate the thrombogenicity and endothelial phenotype of monocultured and co-cultured endothelialized constructs. We found that scaffolds made of lab-developed electrospun polyurethane had less platelet adhesion, activation, and aggregation compared to a collagen-coated biomaterial currently used in synthetic grafts. Furthermore, when our scaffolds are seeded with both endothelial and adipose tissue-derived stromal cells, we saw significantly less inflammatory activity, compared to acellular and endothelial cell-only scaffolds, which may help attenuate thrombosis in our grafts. When we compared different types of support cells, we found that seeding differentiated support cells with monocytes produced a more biomimetic phenotype, which could allow for a more contractile graft. I had the opportunity to present this work at the TRCHR TRANSFORM HF & TBEP Summer Student Showcase and at UnERD. Additionally, I had the chance to assist in training a high school student, which made me reflect on my journey and growth since being in her shoes a few years ago. Over the past two summers in this lab, I have gained many skills, whether that be learning how to isolate and culture cells, develop and perform assays, or image cells and quantify the results. My favourite part, aside from these things, was spending time with others in our lab and on our floor, which gave a nice balance between work and social activities that I will always cherish. I have utmost gratitude for everyone who has supported me in my work and I truly look forward to continuing my work in the Santerre lab over the next year as part of my 4th year thesis!” - Sahej
