Biomaterials for engineering disease microenvironments
We are developing new classes of modular hydrogels that exhibit spatiotemporally heterogeneous mechanics (bulk stiffness, viscoelasticity) reminiscent of healthy and diseased tissues. By fabricating more realistic, tissue-like materials we can create better models of fibrotic disease microenvironments.
Biomaterials for engineering tissues
While the vast majority of tissue engineering approaches focus on the healing of single tissues, many injuries (especially in orthopedics) happen at the interface between two distinct tissues. We are combatting this problem by engineering conductive collagen composites and shear-thinning, self-healing fibrous hydrogels for repair of skeletal muscle and muscle-tendon junctions (MTJs).
Funding
We are grateful for past and present funding from the following sources:
Caliari Lab 