Research Overview
Research Overview
Structural proteins such as collagen and spider silk achieve remarkable performance through precise molecular design, dynamic interactions, and hierarchical assembly. Inspired by these systems, we seek to establish a new generation of protein-mimetic synthetic materials that combine the precision, adaptability, and performance of structural proteins with the scalability and versatility of synthetic polymers.
Our research philosophy follows a unified "one-materials" approach, where molecular design drives emergent function. By programming functionality at the molecular level and leveraging dynamic assembly across length scales, we aim to create adaptive, resilient, and multifunctional materials to address challenges in both human and planetary health.
Specific Research Topics
Biomimetic Polymer Design & Synthesis
The core focus of this research is to develop novel polymerization methods that enable the controlled and scalable synthesis of polymers from natural building blocks, such as amino acids and related molecules. Through precision synthetic strategies, we aim to access functional macromolecules with defined architecture, sequence, and dynamic behavior. By integrating step-growth, chain-growth, and quasi-chain-growth polymerizations with dynamic chemistries, we will create structural proteins like polymer systems with programmable properties.
Biomaterials for Tissue Repair & Regeneration
We develop adaptive biomaterials that guide tissue repair and regeneration by mimicking key features of the extracellular matrix. Through the design of bioactive hydrogels, scaffolds, adhesives, and therapeutic delivery systems, we aim to create biomaterials that actively interact with biological environments to promote healing and functional tissue restoration. Our biomaterials platform addresses unmet needs across a broad spectrum of clinical applications, including wound healing, hemostasis, fetal membrane repair, musculoskeletal regeneration, cardiac repair, and craniomaxillofacial reconstruction.
High Performance Sustainable Materials
We engineer high-performance materials that combine functionality and durability with the principles of circularity and environmental responsibility. By designing polymers from renewable and bioinspired building blocks, we create materials that can be recycled, reprocessed, biodegraded, or returned to their molecular constituents through closed-loop pathways. Our goal is to establish sustainable materials platforms that reduce waste while maintaining the performance required for consumer and industrial applications.