Surgery MB151
Hershey Medical Center
Hershey, PA 17033
Tel: 717-531-5716
Fax: 717-531-4464
Email: csiedlecki@psu.edu
Dr. Siedlecki's research interests are centered on elucidating the molecular-level processes involved in the
interactions of proteins with biomaterial surfaces. Specific research activities include determining how the physical
and chemical properties of synthetic and natural surfaces (e.g. chemical composition, hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance,
surface charge, topography) influence protein structure/function relationships, and the development of novel strategies
for synthesis and modification of biomaterials. An area of particular interest is the role of the biomaterial interface
on the initial events that promote the formation of surface-induced thrombus on implanted cardiovascular devices.
Thrombogenesis is influenced by a series of poorly understood interactions occurring at the blood/biomaterial interface,
primarily involving adsorbed and circulating proteins, platelets, and the biomaterial itself. Problems associated
with thrombus formation represent a significant obstacle to the treatment of coronary disease with implantable
medical devices, including total artificial hearts, left ventricular assist devices, vascular stents and vascular
grafts. Currently, these devices may not be available to the patient or may require that the patient receive anticoagulant
therapies, involving an increased risk of serious hemorrhagic complications.
The research approach is a multi-disciplinary effort employing aspects of engineering, biology and materials science. State-of-the-art techniques in surface modification and characterization, biological labeling and measurement, and scanning probe microscopy are being developed and utilized for the preparation and study of model biomaterial substrates, and for determining their interactions with biological components of the system. Research is conducted in the Biomedical Engineering Institute, within the Section of Artificial Organs in the Department of Surgery at the Hershey Medical Center. Support for the laboratory is provided by the Whitaker Foundation.
Siedlecki, C.A., R.E. Marchant. Atomic force microscopy for characterization of the biomaterial interface. Biomaterials 19: 441-454, 1998.
Marchant, R.E., M.D. Barb, JR. Shainoff, S.J. Eppell, D.L. Wilson, C.A. Siedlecki. Three dimensional structure of human fibrinogen under aqueous conditions visualized by atomic force microscopy. Thromb Haemost 77: 1048-1051, 1997.
Baty, A., P. Leavitt, C.A. Siedlecki, B. Tyler, P. Suci, R.E. Marchant, and G.Geesey. The adsorption of adhesive proteins from the marine mussel, Mytilus Edulis, on polymer films in the hydrated state using angle dependent XPS and AFM. Langmuir 13: 5702-5710, 1997.
Siedlecki, C.A., B.J. Lestini, K. Kottke-Marchant, S.J. Eppell, D.L. Wilson, R.E. Marchant. Shear-dependent changes in the three-dimensional structure of human von Willebrand factor. Blood 88: 2939-2950, 1996.
Siedlecki, C.A., S.J. Eppell, and R.E. Marchant. Interactions of human von Willebrand factor with a hydrophobic self-assembled monolayer studied by atomic force microscopy. J Biom Mat Res 28: 971-980, 1994.