Research Interests

The Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering Research Group develops advanced biomaterials and biofabrication technologies for healthcare translation. Our research integrates materials technology, engineering, biology, and medicine to create next-generation medical devices, regenerative therapies, and disease models. We are particularly interested in translating laboratory discoveries into clinically relevant and commercially viable healthcare solutions. 

Our technologies span the journey from material design and biological discovery to preclinical validation, clinical translation, and commercialization. Our major research themes include:

• Regenerative Biomaterials & Medical Implants for hard and soft tissue applications, including orthopedic implants, bone tissue scaffolds, hemostats, vascular grafts, and bioresorbable biliary stents.

• 3D Bioprinting and 4D Biofabrication of living tissues, patient-specific devices, and shape-morphing biomedical constructs, including 3D- and 4D-printed bone tissue scaffolds, vascular grafts, nerve conduits, and smart multifunctional biomaterials.

• Engineered Tissue Models and Organoids for studying cancer, disease progression, drug response, and human-relevant alternatives to animal testing, including breast tumor, lung disease, cardiac, and aging-related tissue models.

• Cell-Material Interactions to direct regeneration and therapeutic outcomes through biomaterial-driven physical, chemical, and biological cues, including engineered surfaces and 3D constructs that regulate cell function, immune response, and stem cell differentiation.

• Bioactive and Antimicrobial Surfaces inspired by nature to prevent infection and improve tissue integration, including nanoengineered surfaces that impart antimicrobial activity through physical contact while promoting tissue regeneration.

• Clinical Translation and Commercialization through partnerships with clinicians, industry, and startups to accelerate the deployment of healthcare technologies beyond the laboratory.

Vision: To bridge discovery, translational medicine, and commercialization through innovative biomaterials and biofabrication technologies that improve human health.