Events Calendar

Biomedical Engineering Seminar

Speaker: Eunji Chung-Yoo, Ph.D., Research Associate at the Institute for Molecular Engineering University of Chicago

Talk Title: Molecular Engineering for Regenerative Medicine and Theranostic Applications”

Abstract:
University of Southern California
Biomedical Engineering Seminar


“Molecular Engineering for Regenerative Medicine and Theranostic Applications”

by,

Eunji Chung-Yoo, Ph.D.



Research Associate at the Institute for Molecular Engineering
University of Chicago



Thursday, February 26, 2015
11:00 AM in RTH 109 (Ronald Tutor Hall)


Abstract:
When designing bioactive materials to direct desired outcomes for regenerative medicine, the appropriate structural and functional properties at relevant hierarchical levels, including molecular, cellular, and tissue levels, must be taken into account. Furthermore, just as important is the intentional design of the biomaterial to be practical for the clinical setting, complementing available surgical techniques and emerging healthcare technology, while remaining safe and cost-effective. Biodegradable polymers, whether synthetic or natural, can act synergistically with self-assembly to design multi-dimensional, biomimetic biomaterials to address clinical needs. I will present how citric acid-based elastomers and nanocomposites can be tailored to meet a versatile range of materials properties that are optimal for use as implants for both soft and hard tissue regeneration. Parameters such as polymerization conditions, mechanical properties, surface architecture, and the particulate phase can alter the cellular and tissue response and thus be used to guide specific outcomes.
In addition to surgical implants, through the use of self-assembly, polymers can be used to complement minimally-invasive procedures. Specifically, I will present how natural polymers such as proteins and sugars can form bioactive interfaces such as membranes and encapsulating structures for adhesives and applications in 3-D printing. Moreover, through the rational design of peptide amphiphile micelles, multifunctional nanoparticle systems that can target, diagnose, and treat a variety of diseases including atherosclerosis and cancer will be presented. Taken together, molecular engineering has the potential to address limitations in clinical solutions and generate novel strategies that can deliver molecular signals to report back on or influence the behavior of the cellular niche, or regenerate complex tissues that is required of hierarchically-ordered organs.

Host: Biomedical Engineering

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Location: Ronald Tutor Hall of Engineering (RTH) - 109

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Mischalgrace Diasanta