Effect of surface topography on in vitro osteoblast function and mechanical performance of 3D printed titanium.

A long-term interest of the Hilton lab is to uncover the molecular circuitry regulating lineage commitment, proliferation, and differentiation of skeletal stem cells, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts. My laboratory uses genetic mouse models and primary cell culture techniques coupled with biochemistry to answer questions regarding skeletal stem cell self-renewal/differentiation, chondrogenesis, and osteoblastogenesis. Recently my lab has generated novel data from a variety of Notch gain and loss-of-function mutant mice demonstrating the importance of Notch signaling in each of these processes. We are currently investigating the exact Notch signaling mechanisms at play during skeletal development, disease, and repair. Additional studies are also focused on identifying and understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying various congenital skeletal pathologies, including Multiple Herediatry Exostoses (MHE) and Preaxial Polydactyly (PPD).

Professor Gall’s research aims to develop a fundamental understanding of the relationship between the processing, structure, and mechanical properties of materials.  His scientific contributions range from the creation and understanding of shape memory metals and polymers to the discovery of a new phase transformation in metal nanowires.  His current research interests are 3D printed metals and polymers, soft synthetic biomaterials, and biopolymers with structured surface porous networks. 

In addition to his research he has consulted for industry, the US Military and the US Intelligence Community, and served as an expert witness in multiple patent and product litigations.  Finally, he is a passionate entrepreneur who uses fundamental scientific knowledge to hasten the commercialization of new materials and improve the effectiveness of existing materials.   He founded two medical device start-up companies, MedShape and Vertera who have commercialized university based technologies in the orthopedic medical device space.