Peptide ligands for the universal purification of exosomes by affinity chromatography.

Exosomes are gaining prominence as vectors for drug delivery, vaccination, and regenerative medicine. Owing to their surface biochemistry, which reflects the parent cell membrane, these nanoscale biologics feature low immunogenicity, tunable tissue tropism, and the ability to carry a variety of payloads across biological barriers. The heterogeneity of exosomes' size and composition, however, makes their purification challenging.

Biomaterial systems for evaluating the influence of ECM mechanics on anti-fibrotic therapeutic efficacy.

Cardiac fibrosis is characterized by excessive accumulation and deposition of ECM proteins. Cardiac fibrosis is commonly implicated in a variety of cardiovascular diseases, including post-myocardial infarction (MI). We have previously developed a dual-delivery nanogel therapeutic to deliver tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and Y-27632 (a ROCK inhibitor) to address MI-associated coronary artery occlusion and downregulate cell-contractility mediated fibrotic responses.

A functional RNA-origami as direct thrombin inhibitor with fast-acting and specific single-molecule reversal agents in vivo model.

Injectable anticoagulants are widely used in medical procedures to prevent unwanted blood clotting. However, many lack safe, effective reversal agents. Here, we present new data on a previously described RNA origami-based, direct thrombin inhibitor (HEX01).

Utilizing multiscale engineered biomaterials to examine TGF-β-mediated myofibroblastic differentiation.

Cells integrate many mechanical and chemical cues to drive cell signalling responses. Because of the complex nature and interdependency of alterations in extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, ligand density, mechanics, and cellular responses it is difficult to tease out individual and combinatorial contributions of these various factors in driving cell behavior in homeostasis and disease. Tuning of material viscous and elastic properties, and ligand densities, in combinatorial fashions would enhance our understanding of how cells process complex signals.

Biomaterials for Hemostasis.

Uncontrolled bleeding is a major problem in trauma and emergency medicine. While materials for trauma applications would certainly find utility in traditional surgical settings, the unique environment of emergency medicine introduces additional design considerations, including the need for materials that are easily deployed in austere environments. Ideally, these materials would be available off the shelf, could be easily transported, and would be able to be stored at room temperature for some amount of time.