Research

New therapy for bone repair

Various pathophysiologic processes of aging, obesity and osteoporosis are associated with the dysregulation of the adipo-osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Regulating the lineage commitment of MSCs has increasingly attracted great attention in recent years. We developed novel biomolecular strategies that favor osteogenesis over adipogenesis by regulating expression of tribbles proteins. Completion of this study will identify new therapies for the treatment of various bone marrow related diseases and metabolic abnormalities as well as for application of MSCs in tissue engineering. 

Nanomaterials for controlled release

Therapeutic efficacy of drug molecules is affected by delivery kinetics due to their intrinsic instability and rapid degradation in the body. We developed novel liposomal formulations and cell-derived exosome-like nanovesicles that exert intrinsic therapeutic properties, even in the absence of drug loading, facilitating the delivery of bioactive agents in a more efficient and safe manner. We also established a surface modification technique by adapting a robust bioconjugation method to enhance the efficiency and targeting of therapy. This system presents a promising delivery vector for both drugs and therapeutic genes.

Hydrogel carrier system

Hydrogels derived from naturally occurring polymers are attractive matrices for tissue engineering by delivering precursor/stem cells or therapeutic agents to defect sites in a minimally invasive manner. We developed injectable and self-healing hydrogels that are created through the self-assembly of biopolymers and nanoclays. Self-healing materials possess the capability to recover and preserve their integrity following damage due to their dynamic networks crosslinked by reversible linkages. Currently, we are applying our hydrogel platform as a malleable carrier for particulate bone graft materials.