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Bioartificial materials promoting tissue repair/regeneration via host repair mechanisms

We are engineering hybrid bioartificial materials that promote tissue repair and regeneration by generating an integrated host tissue-material interface to harness host repair mechanisms. This research focuses on clinically-significant applications.

Integrin-specific implant surfaces for enhanced osseointegration and repair

We have engineered two integrin-specific ligands, GFOGER and FNIII7-10 to target α5ß1 and α2ß1 integrin receptors, which promote integration of clinical-grade titanium implants. These ligands can be applied as simple, adsorbed coatings or grafted onto non-fouling polymer brush coatings. We are currently engineering integrin-specific implants for stem cell recruitment and enhanced bone repair.




Dynamic anti-inflammatory biomaterial coatings

Upon implantation, synthetic materials adsorb proteins and other biomolecules, which trigger inflammatory responses, culminating in a foreign body reaction and fibrous encapsulation. This fibrotic response limits device integration and biological performance in numerous biomedical applications. We have engineered protein adsorption-resistant, hydrogel microparticle (microgel)-based conformal coatings on biomedical materials. This coating technology provides precise control over particle synthesis, composition and structure; ability to generate complex architectures and/or functionalities, including controlled drug release; ability to generate ‘mosaic' complex coatings containing variations in particle composition and/or spatial arrangement via modular assembly and soft lithography. These coatings reduce host inflammatory responses to implanted devices. Ongoing research is focused on engineering dynamic release of immunomodulators for different applications, including neural electrodes and arthritis.

Bioartificial matrices directing blood vessel wiring

Insufficient vascularization of tissue-engineered constructs and regenerative grafts limits the integration and functional performance of these repair/regenerative matrices. This project incorporates bioactive signals into a synthetic hydrogel to induce the growth of a robust microvascular network that will provide an environment rich in oxygen and nutrients for supporting subsequent cell-transplant therapies. This bioartificial material is being applied to augment pancreatic islet transplantation, a potential therapy for treating type 1 diabetes. We hypothesize that transplanting pancreatic islets into a well-vascularized environment containing the appropriate bioactive cues will increase engraftment success while reducing the number of islets required per recipient.





Bioartifical matrix promoting vascularization

Synthetic microenvironments to modulate epithelial morphogenesis

Epithelial morphogenesis plays a central role in developmental biology by directing the organization of tissues and organs as well as producing the diversity of body shapes found in multicellular organisms. We are engineering biomimetic hydrogel-based, cell-responsive extracellular matrices that direct 3-D epithelial cell cyst formation, polarization, and lumen development.