Biomimetic hydrogels

水凝胶是一种很有前途的修复和再生受损组织的材料，但其较弱的力学性能限制了其应用。该项目旨在通过模仿软骨等自然组织的工作方式来开发具有更好机械性能的水凝胶。具体地说，我们的目标是通过在传统材料中添加分子聚合物刷子来开发一类新的水凝胶。我们将设计具有长期稳定性的水凝胶，使其适合作为软骨细胞的可行宿主。通过这个项目，我们将增长聚合物化学和组织工程的基础知识，并为修复受损关节和组织的新技术铺平道路。

Hydrogels are promising materials to repair and regenerate damaged tissues, but their weak mechanical properties limit their applications. This project aims to develop hydrogels with better mechanical properties by mimicking the way natural tissues, such as cartilage, work. Specifically, we aim to develop a new class of hydrogels by adding molecular polymer brushes to traditional materials. We will design the hydrogels with long-term stability and render them suitable as viable hosts for chondrocytes. Through this project, we will grow fundamental knowledge in polymer chemistry and tissue engineering, and pave the way for new technologies to repair damaged joints and tissues.