Research
For our most up-to-date list of publications, please visit Dr. Hebner's google scholar profile.
The Hebner lab's research is focused on bridging the gap between synthetic materials and autonomous biologically-inspired functions by designing multifunctional polymers. We strive to realize the complexity of biological regulatory responses in synthetic systems through an iterative process of application-inspired materials design, controlled integration and characterization of responsive properties, and understanding of the design space available for material performance. We pursue this research with an interdisciplinary approach, integrating aspects of synthetic chemistry, polymer mechanics, material design, and cell biology. Our goal is to design materials that will positively impact a broad range of applications such as tissue engineering, medical devices, and soft robotics. Specific research topics being currently pursued in the lab are outlined below:
Self-Regulating Stimulus Responses in Multifunctional Polymers
Our team is working toward addressing the limitations of using stimuli-responsive polymers in dynamic environments by developing materials with autonomous response regulation. Many stimuli-responsive polymers can be programmed to exhibit targeted magnitudes or forms of responses by tuning properties such as molecular structure and polymer network architecture. Post-fabrication, there is some opportunity for tuning of response based on stimulus input. However, this tuning requires external intervention by the user to first monitor the material's response and subsequently adjust the stimulus input. This user-based process control is not ideal for applications that involve deploying the material in an environment in which conditions are often changing and will impact material performance. As such, we are designing multifunctional stimuli-responsive polymers with self-regulating responses that eliminate the need for precise control of stimulus and open opportunities for sensing and actuator-based applications.
Stimuli-Responsive Polymers as Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
This area of our group's research is focused on designing responsive polymers as scaffolds for directing and understanding cell behavior. Recent research has demonstrated the functional use of dynamic polymers in mechanobiology and bioengineering research due to their ability to mimic physical properties and cues found in native tissue environments. Using integrated responsive moieties, dynamic bonds, and programmed network topology these materials have been tuned to direct cellular functions and phenotypes, monitor cell behavior, and enable cells to manipulate their environment. However, there has been limited research into combining these aspects, leaving many of the beneficial aspects of using responsive materials in biological systems underutilized. Therefore, we are designing multifunctional materials for use as scaffolds in two research areas:
(1) Manipulating and characterizing cell behavior based on physical property changes in polymeric materials as an alternative to traditional chemical signals or staining techniques.
(2) Promoting regenerative healing of muskuloskeletal tissues by designing polymer scaffolds that recapitulate anisotropic structure of native tissues and stimulate cells during critical stages of healing.
Reprocessible and Reprogrammable Stimuli-Responsive Polymers
While crosslinking of responsive polymers is important to retain programming of shape and function, it hinders the ability of the material to be reprogrammed or reprocessed. As a means to create more sustainable and reusable stimuli-responsive materials, dynamic covalent bonds have been increasingly used in these crosslinked polymers. Dynamic covalent bonds enable reprocessing of the polymer by undergoing bond exchange processes that are accelerated in the presence of an applied stimulus such as heat or light. However, it remains a challenge to integrate these chemistries in complex responsive systems without sacrificing other aspects of their functionality. We will strive to understand how design strategies can be implemented across all stages of materials development from molecular design and synthesis to processing techniques.
