Judith Schaart MSc

Over Judith Schaart

Judith Schaart is a PhD candidate in the Biochemistry of Mineralized Tissues group, who works under supervision of Nico Sommerdijk and Anat Akiva. Her project focuses on studying bone mineralization pathways in cell culture models, using high resolution microscopy. 

Project description

Bone consists of a mineralized and highly organized collagen matrix that is produced and maintained by multiple cell types, including osteoblasts. During bone development osteoblasts excrete a collagen matrix which is mineralized with hydroxyapatite. The pathways underlying bone mineralization have not been completely elucidated yet. Most in vitro studies into bone have been performed in 2D or in static 3D cell culture systems, however, in vivo bone development is also influenced by mechanical stimuli, for instance caused by walking.

We aim to develop a bone-on-a-chip device to create a flow-controlled 3D culture on which mechanical stimulation can be performed. With this device, we will mimic the in vivo conditions for osteogenesis more closely and improve the organization of the collagen deposited by osteoblasts. After establishing this culture system, bone mineralization pathways will be studied using a combination of light and (cryo-) electron microscopy.