Molecular Design of Advanced Biomaterials

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We propose to build on the success of COBRE phase I and phase II awards to establish four research cores that will provide the infrastructure to take our Center to the next level. In addition, COBRE III will provide a mechanism for pilot research projects to continue to develop vibrant teams of investigators in biomaterials research. Significant biomedical therapies are likely to emerge from novel biomaterials that are designed at the molecular level to offer customized control over mechanical and biological properties. The realization of such biomaterials requires synergy between diverse research communities of organic chemistry, molecular design, biochemistry, biology, biophysical chemistry, and materials engineering. Collaborations between an outstanding group of junior, mid-career and senior investigators spanning multiple units across campus were established during phase I and phase II COBRE awards and will be extended in COBRE III. We propose four specific aims for COBRE III: i) to develop state-of-the-art self-sustained research instrumentation cores (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance; Mass Spectrometry and Surface Characterization; Microscopy and Mechanical Testing; and Computational Modeling) that will be integrated into campus-wide infrastructure; ii) to establish a pilot research subproject program that will enable the PIs to initiate new research directions, to bring new junior investigators to the COBRE program, and to promote new collaborations; iii) to establish COBRE-supported symposia and meetings (an annual research and coordination retreat, and co-sponsored lectures in biomaterials); and iv) to establish a COBRE faculty mentoring program. These aims will further the development of a cadre of NIH ROI funded investigators whose cutting-edge biomaterial research programs will provide continuing support for the core facilities that are a crucial for regenerative medicine research at the University of Delaware.