(3ck) Next-Generation Smart Polymeric Biomaterials

Utilization of new methodologies to develop polymeric soft biomaterials, namely biohydrogels,  that mimic native tissue environments is crucial for tissue engineering and biomedical applications.  In this poster, I would like to highlight mainly three of my previous studies.  First, I developed a novel procedure to develop hydrogel surface patterns with well-controlled shape, order and size [1], and utilized this platform to control stem cell shape and differentiation [2].  Then, I developed a hydrogel system to enable temporal stiffening, and studied short- and long-term stem cell response to dynamic mechanics [3].  Lastly, I developed a novel system with spatially and temporally displayed and reversible surface topography, and investigated the stem behavior (cellular and nuclear alignment) [4].           

    The main focus of my research will be development, characterization and processing of multi-functional and responsive polymeric biomaterials that display "dynamic" properties for biological applications, with a particular interest in tissue engineering and drug delivery.  Although recent advances have produced unique biopolymers and materials-based strategies in tissue regeneration and repair, the majority of these materials display static properties (structural, chemical and mechanical) and lack the dynamic complexity of native tissue microenvironments.  My overall goal is (i) to develop innovative material systems that display complex combinations of topographical, chemical and mechanical properties both in 2D and 3D towards tissue and stem cell engineering, (ii) to design and fabricate biomimetic hydrogels that mimic structure/property relationships and stimuli response in nature to towards developing smart biomaterials (adhesives, sealants, medical coatings, etc.), and (iii) to develop hydrogels that display tunable and user-defined gelation with spatial and temporal control of structural, chemical and mechanical properties towards next generation injectable biohydrogels.  My approach will utilize biomimetic synthesis of polymeric materials (and their hybrids) coupled with micro/nano fabrication and advanced characterization techniques.  

 [1] M. Guvendiren, S. Yang, J.A. Burdick, Swelling-induced Surface Patterns in Hydrogels with Gradient Crosslinking Density, Advanced Functional Materials,19:3038-3045, 2009

[2] M. Guvendiren and J.A. Burdick, The Control of Stem Cell Morphology and Differentiation by Hydrogel Surface Wrinkles, Biomaterials, 31:6511-6518, 2010

[3] M. Guvendiren and J.A. Burdick, Stiffening Hydrogels to Probe Short- and Long-Term Cellular Responses to Dynamic Mechanics, Nature Communications, 3:792, 2012.

[4] M. Guvendiren and J.A. Burdick, Stem Cell Response to Spatially and Temporally Displayed and Reversible Surface Topography, in review.