Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering, Stem Cells, Microphysiological Systems

Dr. Bunnell's research program is focused on both stem cells and tissue engineering. His group focuses on both the basic science and translational applications of adult stem cells. Dr. Bunnell investigates use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from the bone marrow or adipose tissue. He is particularly interested in the interactions of MSC with the immune system and how the cells inhibit robust anti-inflammatory effects in vivo. He is interested in applying these cells or products from these cells as a therapeutic intervention for both immune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, wound repair, and bone regeneration. He is currently working towards a human clinical trial for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rotator cuff injury and Multiple Sclerosis using autologous stem cells. He is also interested in defining the role of adipose stem cells in the manifestation of the subcutaneous adipose tissue disorder of unknown origins, called Lipedema, which is characterized by the symmetric buildup of adipose tissue (fat) in the legs and arms that is often severely painful. Dr. Bunnell has an area of focus on the development and application of engineered tissues. The approach combines scaffolds (native or lab-generated) in combination with various stem cell populations. Native scaffolds are generated by decellularizing human tissues using a combination of enzymes and salts to strip away the cells and leave an intact scaffold behind. The scaffold is then repopulated using stem cells alone or in conjunction with terminally differentiated cells in an attempt to make a functional organ. He is also developing microphysiological systems (MPS), which are bioreactor or chip-based in vitro models of complex organ systems that retain all of the functions of native organs. He is currently working as part of a team constructing an MPS of a human knee to model osteoarthritis. Once completed, the system will be used to study tissue interactions, disease mechanisms and novel therapeutics.

Stem Cell Isolation and Culture, Organoid Culture, Microphysiological System Culture, Molecular and Cellular Analyses