Research

The mission of the ‘Supramolecular Biomaterials for Translational Biomedical Science’ (in short) Biomaterials research group is to educate students and perform research in the field of biomaterials science, supramolecular chemistry and regenerative medicine.

 

The Biomaterials research group focusses on the design and synthesis of bioinspired functional biomaterials. The main goals are: 1. To develop methods to specifically modify biomaterials surfaces, and 2. To translate these biomaterials to applications in the field of regenerative medicine, with a focus on cardiovascular and renal applications.

 

The biomedical application of different supramolecular polymeric biomaterials held together via directed, non-covalent interactions is the central theme. In the cardiovascular field the aim is to develop vascular grafts and heart valves that in situ can be engineered by selective capturing of progenitor cells from the blood (in close collaboration with prof. Carlijn Bouten). Additionally, catheter-delivery methods of various drugs, cells and exosomes, encapsulated in hydrogels, to the heart after myocardial infarction are investigated. Furthermore, the Biomaterials research group also designs and develops biomaterials to intervene in processes related to kidney disease. In order to ameliorate hemodialysis bilayered supramolecular membranes on which kidney cells can be cultured outside the body are developed.