Force-mediated dynamic chemistry in hydrogels. This project aims to develop a new class of biomimetic material, where applied force modulates the chemistry and mechanics by incorporating mechanochemical responsive linkages in hydrogel networks. This work intends to generate new knowledge in the chemistry and mechanical properties of soft materials using an interdisciplinary approach involving synthesis, computational modelling, and mechanical analysis. Expected outcomes include novel hydrogel ma ....Force-mediated dynamic chemistry in hydrogels. This project aims to develop a new class of biomimetic material, where applied force modulates the chemistry and mechanics by incorporating mechanochemical responsive linkages in hydrogel networks. This work intends to generate new knowledge in the chemistry and mechanical properties of soft materials using an interdisciplinary approach involving synthesis, computational modelling, and mechanical analysis. Expected outcomes include novel hydrogel materials that are mechanochemically active, tough, and fatigue resistant, along with design criteria for force-activated molecule immobilisation and release expected to provide significant benefit forbiomedical applications, additive manufacturing, soft robotics and flexible electronics.Read moreRead less
Bioelectronics: addressing the biointerface challenge. This project aims to develop bioelectronic materials with long operational stability in physiological conditions and enhanced electronic performance that will effectively interface with electroresponsive tissue. These new materials will be integrated into bioadhesives from which simple bioelectronics devices will be fabricated and assessed for their capability to modulate biosignals and to interact with tissue. Disruption in biosignals cause ....Bioelectronics: addressing the biointerface challenge. This project aims to develop bioelectronic materials with long operational stability in physiological conditions and enhanced electronic performance that will effectively interface with electroresponsive tissue. These new materials will be integrated into bioadhesives from which simple bioelectronics devices will be fabricated and assessed for their capability to modulate biosignals and to interact with tissue. Disruption in biosignals causes numerous medical conditions such as epilepsy and heart failure and the development of flexible and biocompatible medical electronics devices that interface with tissue is essential for regaining and modulating these signals.Read moreRead less
Mimicking the perivascular niche with boronolectin-based biomaterials. This project aims to address roadblocks in perivascular stem cell manufacturing by discovering novel mechanisms and materials that improve cell quality outcomes during extended culture. An innovative, interdisciplinary approach to biomaterials discovery, combining live cell-based screening of cell surface glycans, bio-inspired materials design and synthesis, and niche mimicry, will enable the discovery of cell surface glycan- ....Mimicking the perivascular niche with boronolectin-based biomaterials. This project aims to address roadblocks in perivascular stem cell manufacturing by discovering novel mechanisms and materials that improve cell quality outcomes during extended culture. An innovative, interdisciplinary approach to biomaterials discovery, combining live cell-based screening of cell surface glycans, bio-inspired materials design and synthesis, and niche mimicry, will enable the discovery of cell surface glycan-mediated interactions that support long-term expansion and potency maintenance, and synthetic biomaterials that can mimic them. Significant benefits for stem cell researchers, manufacturers and end users are expected from the project and the application of this scalable biomaterial platform.Read moreRead less