Polymer Synthesis and Design
Both synthetic and natural polymers form the backbone of many advanced biomaterials, offering unmatched versatility in structure, function, and form. At MERLN, we focus on the molecular design and synthesis of new polymers, as well as the functional modification of existing polymers, to create advanced biomaterials tailored for therapeutic applications.
Our work includes the development of novel polymer scaffolds with tunable mechanical, chemical, and biological properties. We explore a wide range of crosslinking chemistries—including click reactions, dynamic covalent bonds, and photo-triggered systems—to control material assembly, stability, and responsiveness.
Through rational design, we introduce bioactive functionalities, such as cell-binding motifs, degradation triggers, or drug-releasing moieties, directly into the polymer backbone or as modular side groups. This allows us to precisely control how materials interact with cells and tissues, and how they evolve over time in response to physiological signals.
By combining synthetic precision with biological insight, we create polymeric materials that serve as dynamic scaffolds, responsive delivery systems, or instructive matrices—advancing the frontiers of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
