BioMatt: Polymeric Biomaterials

BioMatt: Polymeric Biomaterials

The BioMatt group focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and application of customizable biomaterials. Our main research interests include 1) dynamic and life-like materials to mimic the cellular environment and to influence cellular behavior, 2) well-defined materials enabling better biofabrication, and 3) polymeric systems which respond to mechanical force. Of particular interest is the use of reversible supramolecular interactions and dynamic covalent chemistry to build these materials. Simply, we want to blur the lines between materials and life.

Our group is strongly rooted in organic and polymer chemistry synthesis, using physical organic tools to rationally design materials. We directly test our materials for tissue growth and cellular function, optimizing the interactions needed for successful cell-material communication. We create not only platforms for bioengineers to customized, but also tailor-made materials to tackle some of the big problems in tissue engineering.