Research Mission

Our group strives to develop functional tissue engineering biomaterials by additive manufacturing.

We focus on the design, development and application of polymer-based biomaterials. For example, we utilize 3D printing technologies for the fabrication of functional tissues and organs and investigate their hierarchical structure and functionalities in relation to material processing. To pursue this goal, we apply advanced methods for the characterization of soft-matter and mineralized biomaterials. Inspired by nature, the group develops new micro/nano-structured composite biomaterials of different morphologies for tissue engineering. The ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between biomaterials with controlled microstructure and functionality and their targeted application in biomedicine.

Our scientific interests include tissue engineering, physical chemistry of polymers, cell culture monitoring by biosensors, fiber-reinforced composites, hydrogels, engineering of bioinspired materials, structure-function relationship in biomaterials. Current research topics of the group are summarized as follows:

• Engineering hydrogel composite materials for regenerative medicine
• Development of polymer and mineralized materials for biomedical and technological applications
• Tissue engineering
• 3D bioprinting
• 3D cell culture
• Nanotechnology and Nanocomposites
• Synchrotron X-ray scattering in biomaterials (SAXS and WAXS, in situ analyses)
• Micro- and nanomechanical testing
• Drug controlled release
• Biosensors