Collagen Materials Assembly

We are studying a process of how collagen molecules assemble into fibrils and how these fibrils will aggregate into collagen fibers. We are developing methods to report on collagen structures assembled in vitro in order to accelerate the pace of utilizing collagen polymer in biomedical applications. We are mapping the light scattering properties of 3D collagen hydrogels assembled at different initial conditions.

Non-Enzymatic Cross-Linking of Collagen Materials

Non-enzymatic cross-linking is a process where the reaction between the collagen molecule and the cross-linking reagent will result in a stiffer and stronger material. Genipin, the active compound found in the Gardenia fruit extract used to relieve symptoms of type 2 diabetes in traditional Chinese medicine is currently being examined.

Tissue Molecular Glues

Corneal wounds can arise as an outcome of different surgical procedures (transplants, cataract removal, intraocular lens implantation, LASIK). In current medical practice, to restore corneal integrity, the wounds are surgically repaired with sutures. These invasive surgical procedures can traumatize corneal tissues and often cause inflammation, therefore calling for a more delicate and effective means to repair corneas. We are currently examining how different materials can effectively seal corneal wounds.

We are investigating how the composition and structure of extracellular matrices modulate the growth, migration and differentiation of mammalian cells. We do so by preparing 3D in vitro models to mimic in vivo cell environments, and create physiological cell settings. These systems will be ideal to rapidly evaluate treatment dose responses and to test different hypotheses because they are highly amenable to imaging and can be expediently manipulated during the course of the experiments.

Stem Cells

We are incorporating optics and molecular assays to understand complex stem cell responses to our bioengineered materials. Collaborators: Dr. Nicole zur Nieden, Dr. Duncan Liew.

Glioblastoma Brain Tumor Model

We are creating 3D glioblastoma models utilizing solid spheroids embedded in 3D extracellular matrices, to develop novel treatment protocols. Collaborators: Dr. Henry Hirschberg, Dr. Chung-Ho Sun