| Abstract Scope |
The field of tissue engineering strides to create replacement tissues. There is a growing recognition of 3D matrix microenvironments in regulating the fate and function of stem cells, where biomaterials play a key role. One daunting challenge is to recapitulate the microenvironments in a developmental or healing program to maintain stemness, to accelerate proliferation, or to direct stem cell lineage specification. Our lab designs biodegradable polymeric biomaterials inspired by the extracellular matrix (ECM) to modulate 3D microenvironments on the micro, nano and molecular scales for stem cells to regenerate tissues and organs. We also regulate immune cells to enhance regeneration. Examples of bone, cartilage, dental, and cardiovascular tissue regeneration will be presented to demonstrate the impact of ECM-inspired biomaterials in tissue engineering. |