The focus of our work in these domains is the application of modern molecular and cellular biology to fundamental biomedical problems using engineering methods.
Several projects at Northwestern are aimed at using biomimetic principles to design and synthesize novel biomaterials. For example, phospholipid vesicles are being manipulated to control chemical reactions that result in the rapid formation of biomaterials for tissue repair and reconstruction. Calcium phosphate minerals for skeletal tissue repair and polymer hydrogels for wound healing and drug delivery application can be rapidly formed in response to an applied temperature or light stimulus (Messersmith). Self-assembled tubule and network gel constructs of polymerizable phospholipids are being investigated for medical, dental, and other uses (Messersmith).
Vascular tissue engineering is an area in which engineering principles and techniques are used to restore the structure and function of pathologically altered molecules, cells, and tissues of blood vessels. Vascular grafts are being engineered to treat vascular diseases with the goal of reducing complications such as the development of intimal hyperplasia (Liu). At the Falk Institute we have a gene discovery program aimed at identifying genes uniquely expressed in brain diseases (Moskal). This technology holds promise for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying normal brain development and synapse plasticity associated with learning and memory.
Injuries to the meniscus, a cartilaginous structure located in the knee, are a common occurrence during sports activities. A truncated or impaired meniscus can lead to joint malfunction and to osteoarthritis. Tissue engineering, controlled drug delivery, and gene-expression profiling are some of the tools that are being used to investigate novel ways to promote wound healing within the avascular zone of the meniscus. In the case of chronic degeneration of this tissue, cell/biomaterial interactions are studied with the goal of creating a bioartificial meniscus that could potentially be used for transplantations (Ameer). In another research area, molecular cloning techniques, surface modification, and engineering principles are being used to design and develop devices that can neutralize the activity of macromolecules in the blood that are implicated in pathologic conditions or negative side effects. For example, the specific removal of beta-2-microglobulin from blood is part of an effort to control the concentration of proteins implicated in the formation and stabilization of amyloid deposits that are present in patients with end stage renal disease (Ameer). Glucocorticoid-functionalized materials are being developed to serve as anti-inflammatory coatings to enhance implant biocompatibility (Ho), and the unique properties of nanowires and nanotubes may be useful in neural regeneration following traumatic injury (Ho).
