Research Projects

The evolving field of regenerative medicine integrates chemistry, engineering, biology, and medicine to repair or enhance tissue function lost due to trauma, congenital diseases, tumors, or aging. It requires complex approaches to integrate living cells and proper biological signals (osteogenic cells, BMPs, and growth factors) with 3-D scaffolding materials. The difficulty in designing tissue scaffolds and implants with properties that simultaneously enable their safe delivery/secure fitting to target tissue and their proper long-term function in a physiological environment has been a major roadblock in reducing regenerative medicine concepts in clinical practices. Therefore, we proposed developing and evaluating an innovative viscoelastic/compliant/resilient 3D-nanostructured material having a defined biochemical microenvironment with minimally invasive delivery and self-fitting tissue docking capability. In addition, integrating MG-63 cells with BMPs, and growth factors onto 3D-nanostructured scaffold matrices will enhance its properties and outcomes. We hypothesize that the unique combination of nanostructured architecture and its integration with biological and chemical cues will promote and facilitate cellular adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation leading to accelerated tissue regeneration and improved functional outcomes. If validated, this new platform can open a new paradigm for designing high-performance shape memory composites for a wide range of applications. Generating compliant/viscoelastic patient-specific and easy carving of this material that precisely fits and conforms during surgery to defects physically and biochemically, will have a paradigm-changing impact on personalized intervention of a broad range of medical conditions. Within the 3 years of this project, we expect to generate BG-PCL-PU composite scaffolds integrated with MG-63 cells, bone morphogenetic proteins, and growth factors with wide-ranging porosities, mechanical strengths, and biocompatible characteristics suitable for maxillofacial and orthopedic repair. We will validate the feasibility of this nanostructured material design platform using both in-vitro and in-vivo (preclinical)studies. The ultimate goal of this research is to translate scientific discoveries and technical advancements into clinical applications that improve patient outcomes. By elucidating the potential of these composite scaffolds for tissue regeneration, this research has direct implications for clinical practice. These scaffolds could offer clinicians a promising biomaterial platform for repairing damaged or diseased tissues, addressing critical clinical needs in various healthcare settings. Therefore, the development and evaluation of novel and socioeconomic 3D printed biomaterials hold relevance within the broader national healthcare community.