Developing advanced systems for controlled/targeted delivery of therapeutic molecules, ensuring precision treatment with minimized side effects.
How Do We Develop Biomaterials for Targeted and Controlled Therapeutic Delivery?
At the forefront of biomedical innovation, one of our main research focuses is on the localized and targeted delivery of therapeutic molecules and other biological agents, utilizing advanced biomaterials to enhance treatment efficacy and minimize systemic side effects. We harness cutting-edge smart biomaterials designed to deliver a range of therapeutic agents, including oxygen, nitric oxide, drugs, and essential ions, directly to targeted tissues and organs. This approach not only maximizes therapeutic potential but also ensures localized effects, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing complications associated with conventional systemic therapies.
Our team employs various sophisticated biomaterials engineered to respond dynamically to physiological cues. These biomaterials can intelligently release therapeutic molecules in a controlled manner, depending on specific triggers such as pH, temperature, or enzymatic activity. For instance, by integrating stimuli-responsive polymers, we can create drug delivery systems that release therapeutics only in the presence of certain biomarkers associated with disease states. This level of precision enables us to tailor treatments to individual patient needs, aligning therapeutic actions with the unique biological environment of each target site.
In our innovative work, we are also exploring the use of hybrid biomaterials that combine the beneficial properties of various materials, such as hydrogels and nanoparticles, to enhance the delivery of therapeutic agents. These hybrid systems can encapsulate multiple types of molecules, including gases like nitric oxide and solid drugs, allowing for synergistic effects that can significantly boost therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, our research emphasizes the development of biomaterials that can enhance angiogenesis or inhibit excessive vascular growth, contributing to both regenerative medicine and cancer therapy.
Through our commitment to advancing the field of precision medicine, we aim to develop groundbreaking delivery systems that redefine how therapeutic agents are administered. By integrating engineered biomaterials into our methodologies, we are paving the way for more effective treatments that not only target specific tissues but also adapt to the changing needs of patients. Our ongoing research continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, ensuring that we remain at the cutting edge of science in the realm of precision delivery of therapeutic molecules.
Oxygen-Generating Biomaterials to Overcome Hypoxia and Promote Tissue Growth
We are designing and fabricating innovative oxygen-generating biomaterials to address the challenges of hypoxia in tissue regeneration and enhance cell viability. These biomaterials are engineered to release oxygen in a controlled and sustained manner by incorporating compounds such as calcium peroxide (CaO₂) or magnesium peroxide (MgO₂) into biocompatible scaffolds. By tailoring the material’s degradation rates, chemical composition, and structural properties, we ensure precise oxygen delivery to hypoxic tissues, promoting cell survival and tissue growth. Advanced fabrication techniques, including hydrogel encapsulation and 3D printing, allow for creating multifunctional platforms that not only generate oxygen but also support cellular adhesion and proliferation. Additionally, we integrate these biomaterials with therapeutic agents to combat inflammation and enhance regenerative outcomes. This research bridges material design with biological functionality, paving the way for breakthroughs in repairing ischemic tissues and engineering complex systems like cardiac, neural, and musculoskeletal constructs. On the clinical and market front, these biomaterials are set to address a significant unmet need, particularly in treating cartilage repair, chronic wounds, cardiovascular diseases, and post-surgical tissue healing. As regulatory pathways become clearer, these technologies are poised to secure a strong foothold in both the clinical landscape and the commercial market, creating transformative impacts.
Manipulating Molecular Structures for Advancing Multi-Ion Delivery
We are designing, synthesizing, and manipulating the molecular structure of bioactive glasses to optimize the release of therapeutic ions, a key driver of their biological effects. By incorporating various trace elements into glass structures, we enhance therapeutic outcomes such as osteogenesis, angiogenesis, bactericidal activity, and anti-inflammatory properties. Our research focuses on tailoring the glass composition to control degradation rates, thereby precisely regulating ion release into biological environments. Additionally, we manipulate factors like ionic radii to fine-tune ion-release kinetics, compacting or expanding the glass network to achieve desired release profiles. For instance, substituting a smaller ionic radius alkali ion (e.g., Li⁺ for Na⁺) creates a denser network and slower ion release, whereas incorporating a larger ionic radius alkali ion (e.g., Na⁺ for Li⁺) expands the network, facilitating faster ion delivery. Beyond traditional applications, these tailored biomaterials show great promise in cancer treatment, where the release of specific ions can be engineered to inhibit tumor growth or support targeted drug delivery systems. By leveraging their structural versatility, these biomaterials can act as carriers for chemotherapeutic agents or radiotherapeutic isotopes, providing localized treatment with minimal side effects. The ability to deliver ions and bioactive molecules with precision makes them invaluable in developing complex implants and scaffolds for repairing critical-sized bone defects, vascular grafts, and even neural interfaces.
Controlled Nitric Oxide-Release for the Fabrication of Vascular Graft
One of our research areas is the development of innovative small-diameter vascular grafts with controlled nitric oxide (NO) release to address critical challenges in vascular tissue engineering. By leveraging 3D printing technologies, we create vascular constructs with precise architectures that mimic natural blood vessels while incorporating NO-releasing systems to enhance their functionality. Nitric oxide, a key molecule in vascular biology, plays a pivotal role in inhibiting platelet activation, preventing thrombosis, and promoting endothelial cell proliferation. By integrating NO-releasing compounds into the grafts, we ensure sustained, localized release, creating an antithrombogenic environment that significantly improves graft patency and performance. This innovation represents a major step forward in overcoming the limitations of traditional vascular grafts, which often fail due to thrombosis and poor endothelialization. In addition to its antithrombogenic properties, the controlled release of nitric oxide from these grafts offers a potent antibacterial effect, reducing the risk of post-implantation infections—a common complication in vascular surgeries. Our research has demonstrated the ability to fine-tune NO release kinetics by manipulating material composition and structural design, ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes. This multidisciplinary approach has the potential to revolutionize vascular graft technology, bringing us closer to personalized, durable, and infection-resistant solutions.