Biomaterials and Microdevices

We use surface modification and microfabrication tools to precisely engineer cell environments. Our goal is to use these approaches to establish quantitatively how cells sense their environment at a level that is virtually impossible to achieve in vivo. By using engineered devices to precisely control soluble and adhesive cues, as well as the mechanical environment, we are determining how cells integrate these different signals to regulate cell functions. This information is essential for understanding the molecular basis of disease as well as for identifying more effective therapies for disease treatment. Current projects are exploring how the interplay between chemotactic and adhesive cues impact the integrity of cell-cell junctions to promote or prevent metastasis. We also use these devices to determine how the interplay between different adhesion proteins regulates cell polarity and migration during embryonic development and in tumor progression.

We are also defining the design rules that control how materials interact with cells and proteins. Force probe techniques quantify the interfacial properties of materials, at the molecular level. This uniquely enables us to define molecular level design rules for tailoring biomaterial performance. We primarily focus on the interfacial properties of a broad class of water soluble polymers used in biomedical applications. We are particularly interested in "smart" or environmentally responsive polymers that switch interfacial properties in response to environmental stimuli. These and related materials are used in drug delivery, for cell and/or protein capture, biosensing, and in a number of other applications. Our efforts are identifying the key design parameters that control the environmental switches as well as determine how cells and proteins interact with the materials.