Research

Overview of current research 

Our general research interest is development of biomaterial-based approaches that guide cell and tissue response to understand biological process and repair damaged tissue. Using new biomaterials and methodologies, we aim to provide practical solutions for the unmet scientific and clinical needs in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Our current research focuses on developing biomaterials that enable safe and effective use of biologically active substances for the repair of dental, musculoskeletal, and neural tissues. We are interested in delivering and sequestering growth factors, cytokines, messenger RNAs, and exosomes in various tissue repair scenarios to induce targeted cell and tissue activity including angiogenesis, osteogenesis, chondrogenesis, neurogenesis, and anti-inflammation. The current research projects are (1) calcium phosphate biomaterials for controlled delivery of proteins and messenger RNAs, (2) exosome-binding biomaterials for exosome collection and delivery, and (3) growth factor-binding biomaterials for the customization of autologous biologics such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC).