Design of Cell-Instructive Biomaterials in Biomedical Applications

Cells have evolved complex systems to sense and respond to a diverse range of biophysical and  biochemical cues, leading to differences in cell development, function, and death. To understand  the signals that impact cell behavior, we use synthetic matrices to study the microenvironmental  cues that drive these changes. However, decoupling these signals and mimicking the richness of  the cellular microenvironment is a chemistry and engineering challenge. Leveraging a philosophy  that promotes materials development that is sustainable, scalable, and clinically relevant, my  research combines the molecular design creativity of chemists with the application-oriented  mindset of biomaterial engineers to better mimic the intricacy of the native extracellular  environment. I use this approach to formulate cell-instructive materials to advance biological  understanding and provide tools for regenerative medicine. For example, I developed a  mechanically tunable hydrogel platform for 3D cell culture wherein we leverage hydrophobic  interactions of a protein polymer to tune hydrogel stiffness. In a separate project, I created a  hydrogel that combines both static and dynamic covalent bonds that are viscoelastic yet stable  for 3D bioprinting of cardiovascular models. Lastly, I demonstrate that tuning the hydrophilicity  and void space of tissue-engineered blood vessels prevents thrombosis and promotes beneficial remodeling in rat models. The lessons learned from these projects can be used to develop next generation in vitro models and in vivo therapies for diverse biomedical applications.