Biomaterials are used to interface with living systems. We are particularly interested in the rational design of spatially patterned and responsive biomaterial systems, in particular hydrogels that can be harnessed for cell manipulation, tissue engineering, and endogenous tissue repair (Advanced Functional Materials 2020). We are increasingly interested in the development of biomaterials for clinical applications (Science Translational Medicine 2020).
- Casting Hydrogels with Bio-instructive Gradients: We are interested in the design of gradient biomaterials that can be used to spatially modulate cell behaviour (see our review Trends in Biotechnology 2020). Dr Chunching Li, during his PhD at Imperial College London, developed two new methods to programme gradients of slow-releasing osteogenic morphogens into cellularized hydrogels. These were used to generate integrated osteochondral tissue constructs (Biomaterials 2018, Advanced Materials 2019).
- Cardiovascular Tissue Grafts: We are interested in the development of biomaterials for the surgical treatment of congenital heart disease. Amy Harris, during her PhD at the Bristol Heart Institute, has developed a method for the decellularization of porcine right ventricular outflow tracts using 3D printed flow chambers (STAR Protocols 2024).
- Engineered Granular Hydrogels: We are interested in the development of engineered granular hydrogels for endogenous tissue repair. Zhipeng Deng, during her PhD at the University of Bristol, has developed a new “coagulative granular hydrogel” biomaterial. Functionalized with thrombin, this injectable formulation can catalyze the evolution of a secondary fibrin network that mechanically stabilizes the granular hydrogel and enhances cell adhesion and vascular network formation (BioRxiv 2024).