ABOUT

We engineer dynamic, extracellular matrix (ECM)-inspired biomaterials to reveal and direct how mechanical and biochemical signals govern cell–matrix communication in tissue regeneration and fibroinflammatory diseases. Our goal is to translate this knowledge into mechanobiology-guided biomaterials, human-relevant tissue models, matrix-targeting therapies, and regenerative strategies.

RESEARCH

Dynamic changes in ECM composition, organization and mechanics regulate tissue homeostasis and are key drivers of wound healing, ageing and fibroinflammatory diseases. Our research seeks to understand how cells sense, interpret and respond to these evolving matrix signals, and how aberrant cell-matrix communication contributes to disease progression. To do so, we employ complementary approaches to identify disease-associated ECM alterations and determine their functional impact at the cell–matrix interface.
We engineer programmable and bioinstructive materials that recapitulate key features of healthy and diseased tissues, providing controllable platforms to decode and manipulate cell-matrix communication. These dynamic systems enable spatiotemporal control of biochemical and mechanical cues, allowing us to uncover mechanisms governing cell fate across molecular, cellular and tissue scales. We further integrate enabling technologies, including 3D bioprinting and microfluidics, to build human-relevant tissue and disease models with particular emphasis on skin tissue engineering and fibrosis.

Current research areas:

1. Engineering programmable biomaterials and dynamic cell–matrix interfaces;
2. Decoding cell–matrix communication in wound healing, fibrosis and tissue regeneration;
3. Developing human-relevant tissue and disease models through matrix engineering and 3D bioprinting.

Our lab works at the interface of biomaterials engineering, 3D bioprinting, matrix biology and mechanobiology. Our mission is to bioengineer human-relevant cell–matrix platforms that reveal how tissue function is controlled, bridging fundamental discovery, tissue engineering and targeted therapies, while training the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists.