Unless otherwise noted, all seminars are held in the Molecular Science and Engineering Building in Room G011. Refreshments are served at 3:30 PM. The seminar starts promptly at 4:00 PM.

ABSTRACT:
Hydrogels provide a unique, largely aqueous environment for 3D cell culture, and when locally
modified with appropriate signaling molecules, these synthetic niches can facilitate the
regeneration of tissues. While the gel environment is often >90% water, the microscopic
architecture and local chemistry play important roles in dictating cell morphology, proliferation,
and differentiation; gel degradation and erosion; and the secretion and distribution of
extracellular matrix molecules. This talk will illustrate several examples where the
regeneration of neotissue structures is highly coupled to the biophysical and biochemical
properties of the gels, and demonstrate how appropriate tuning of the gel properties can create
microenvironments that simply permit cells to function to those that actively promote specific
cell functions. Integral to this understanding is the ability to manipulate the underlying gel
chemistry and properties through the synthesis of macromolecular precursors and control of the
gelation process.