JHE Lab and innovation !

The traditional approach of tissue engineering is to place cells on a biomaterial scaffold that is designed to provide the appropriate signals to promote tissue development and ultimately restore normal tissue function in vivo. The field of tissue engineering has been largely based on empirical studies. Understanding mechanisms of cellular interactions (both cell-cell and cell-material) and tissue development on scaffolds is critical to advancement of the field, particularly in applications using novel cell sources such as stem cells. Our general perspective is to develop new materials that are generally a composite of synthetic and naturally-derived materials. We are also investigating normal and diseased cell types to model tissue growth, evaluate materials and therapeutics. Translation of technologies to tissue-specific sites and diseased environments is key to better design, understanding, and ultimately efficacy of tissue repair strategies. We desire to translate clinically practical strategies, usually in the form of medical devices, to guide and enhance the body’s natural capacity for repair.

Dr. Elisseeff’s :

In addition to the interdisciplinary aspects of regenerative medicine research, it is also critical to develop a synergistic balance of basic and applied/translational research.