Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Annu Rev Mater Res 2015 Jul 23;45:277-310. Epub 2015 Mar 23.

Biomedical Engineering Department, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208; Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611; Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208; Simpson Querrey Institute for Bionanotechnology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611.

Advances in biomaterials science and engineering are crucial to translating regenerative engineering, an emerging field that aims to recreate complex tissues, into clinical practice. In this regard, citrate-based biomaterials have become an important tool owing to their versatile material and biological characteristics including unique antioxidant, antimicrobial, adhesive, and fluorescent properties. This review discusses fundamental design considerations, strategies to incorporate unique functionality, and examples of how citrate-based biomaterials can be an enabling technology for regenerative engineering. Read More

Annu Rev Mater Res 2011 Jul;41:133-168

Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139.

Cartilage is a hydrated biomacromolecular fiber composite located at the ends of long bones that enables proper joint lubrication, articulation, loading, and energy dissipation. Degradation of extracellular matrix molecular components and changes in their nanoscale structure greatly influence the macroscale behavior of the tissue and result in dysfunction with age, injury, and diseases such as osteoarthritis. Here, the application of the field of nanomechanics to cartilage is reviewed. Read More

Annu Rev Mater Res 2011 Aug;41:99-132

Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan 49931;

Mussels attach to solid surfaces in the sea. Their adhesion must be rapid, strong, and tough, or else they will be dislodged and dashed to pieces by the next incoming wave. Given the dearth of synthetic adhesives for wet polar surfaces, much effort has been directed to characterizing and mimicking essential features of the adhesive chemistry practiced by mussels. Read More