Jenna Materna
Biomedical engineering
Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona, United States
Graduation date: Spring 2026
Additional details: Honors student
GCSP research stipend | Summer 2024, Needs Review
Immunomodulatory Trophoblast-derived Extracellular Vesicle (EV) Release from Polyethylene-glycol (PEG) Hydrogels
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1D) is an autoimmune disorder that impairs pancreatic islets and blood glucose regulation. Islet cell transplantation is a promising treatment, but direct and indirect antigen recognition lead to graft rejection by the immune system. Literature suggests that trophoblast extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain immunomodulatory factors that play a role in fetal immune tolerance, and we aim to use these EVs to develop a tolerogenic therapy that prevents rejection. This study aims to develop a synthetic hydrogel composition that will enable sustained EV release. We have designed hydrolytic and proteolytically degradable hydrogel EV delivery vehicles. We are quantifying EV release over time in vitro.
Mentor: Jessica Weaver
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