Our biomaterials and tissue engineering research is pioneering new materials and methods to help the body heal itself. We design biocompatible scaffolds, hydrogels and other biomaterials that can guide cell growth and tissue repair, aiming to regenerate damaged organs and tissues.
This multidisciplinary effort (spanning biomedical and chemical engineering) harnesses stem cells, advanced materials science and molecular biology to address the worldwide shortage of donor organs and improve recovery from injuries. By creating living tissue replacements and enhancing the body’s natural regenerative processes, our work promises to transform treatments for trauma, degenerative diseases and other health conditions, improving quality of life for countless people.
Our research spans three strengths across multidisciplinary research
We are engineering three-dimensional frameworks that support the growth of new tissue. By mimicking the body’s extracellular matrix, these scaffolds provide both structural support and biochemical signals that guide cells to regenerate bone, cartilage, muscle, and other tissues. This aligns with our strategy of advancing healthcare engineering through innovative solutions that address critical medical challenges.
We are developing advanced biomaterial scaffolds that are seeded with living cells and bioactive molecules. These constructs are designed to repair or replace diseased tissue by activating the body’s own regenerative capabilities. The scaffolds are tailored to replicate the natural environment of tissues, enabling effective cell growth and integration.
We are focused on creating therapies that can be applied to a range of tissue types and injury scales. This work involves interdisciplinary collaboration across biomaterials science, cell biology, and tissue engineering, ensuring that the solutions are both biologically compatible and clinically viable.
This research aims to improve tissue regeneration techniques with a focus on developing biomaterial scaffolds that support the growth of new, functional tissue, by engineering three-dimensional frameworks seeded with living cells and bioactive molecules. This approach enables the body to regenerate complex tissues like bone, cartilage, and muscle more effectively, and reduces reliance on donor transplants, leading to faster recovery and better outcomes for patients suffering from traumatic injuries or degenerative diseases—such as helping a patient regrow bone after a major fracture or restoring muscle function after surgery.
Professor Hala Zreiqat, Professor Fariba Dehghani, Dr Sina Naficy, Professor Qing Li, Dr Yogambha Ramaswamy, Dr Zufu Lu
We are developing advanced materials that replicate the mechanical, biochemical, and structural properties of native tissues. These materials are designed to support tissue regeneration, improve integration with the body, and enable new therapeutic approaches in areas such as musculoskeletal repair, immunotherapy, and organ modelling. This aligns with our broader strategy of translating engineering innovations into impactful healthcare solutions that address real-world clinical challenges. By focusing on biomimicry and functionality, this theme contributes to our mission of advancing interdisciplinary research that bridges engineering, biology, and medicine.
We are developing hydrogel-ceramic composites for cartilage regeneration, synthetic fibre-reinforced hydrogels for tendon and ligament repair, and custom-shaped scaffolds for meniscus reconstruction. These materials are engineered to be tough, porous, and bioactive, promoting cell growth and tissue integration. In parallel, 3D printed hydrogels are being used to study immune cell behaviour and develop new cancer therapies.
We are creating bioinspired nanobiomaterials with tailored surface properties for multifunctional applications, including drug delivery and imaging. Additionally, novel bioceramics are being created for bone tissue regeneration, offering high strength and visibility for clinical use. These efforts are supported by advanced fabrication techniques, imaging, and computational modelling to ensure clinical relevance and scalability.
This research aims to improve biomaterial design and application with a focus on developing hydrogels and composite materials that mimic native tissue environments, by engineering bioactive, mechanically robust, and customisable scaffolds that support tissue regeneration and immune modulation. This approach enables more effective healing of cartilage, tendon, ligament, and bone injuries, and reduces the need for donor tissue or long-term implants, ultimately improving patient recovery and quality of life, for example, helping athletes recover from joint injuries or enabling cancer patients to benefit from more targeted immunotherapies.
Professor Arnold Ju, Dr Ann Na Cho, Dr Yogambha Ramaswamy, Dr Yi Shen, Dr Ali Fathi
Our research in regenerative medicine research involves integrating engineering, biology, and materials science to develop innovative solutions for tissue repair and organ regeneration. This work spans tissue engineering, stem cell therapies, and advanced biomaterials, including 3D-printed scaffolds and hydrogels that mimic natural tissue environments. These technologies aim to address major health challenges such as musculoskeletal injuries, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
We are working to improve healing outcomes by enhancing the materials used in medical treatments through advanced surface engineering and applied physics. This includes modifying the surfaces of medical devices, such as implants and wound dressings, to make them more biocompatible, encouraging cell growth and promoting faster, more natural healing. We’re also developing smart medical technologies that can interact with the body, such as miniature devices that monitor health or support tissue function.
One area of focus is on improving surgical sutures using innovative chemistry techniques. The goal is to make them stronger, safer, and more reliable during procedures.
This research aims to improve biomaterial design and regenerative technologies with a focus on enhancing healing outcomes and tissue regeneration, by integrating engineering, biology, and materials science to develop biocompatible surfaces, smart medical devices, and advanced materials like hydrogels and 3D-printed scaffolds. This approach promotes faster and more natural healing, strengthens surgical tools like sutures, and enables better interaction between medical devices and the body, with broader impacts including more effective treatments for injuries and diseases, reduced reliance on imported medical products, and improved quality of life through innovations such as locally made sutures and wearable health monitors.
Professor Marcela Bilek, Professor Fariba Dehghani
RegenHU
