Current biomaterial design largely relies on flexible linear polymers. This simple molecular architecture intrinsically limits the creation of biomaterials with nonlinear elasticity and relaxation dynamics matching the complexity and variations in tissue-specific mechanics. Moreover, chemical modification is needed to allow polymeric biomaterials to engage with cells. However, this chemical modification may change the polymer physics parameters and the biophysical properties of linear polymers. 

We are encoding biophysical and biochemical complexity into the molecular architecture of bottlebrush polymeric biomaterials, an emerging area in which we have been one of the pioneers. Using a combination of controlled chemical synthesis, theoretical modeling, in vitro cell culture models, and in vivo animal models, we are investigating the interactions between modular bottlebrush biomaterials and proteins, cells, or tissues. Based on this understanding, we apply the developed biomaterials for therapeutic delivery. 

Currently, we focus on three application areas:

• Mucosal drug delivery
• Delivery of therapeutic proteins to treat diabetic foot ulcer
• Delivery of therapeutic cells to reverse type 1 diabetes