Engineering Protein-Based Biomaterials for Stem Cell Differentiation

For tissue engineering applications, our lab is developing protein-based biomaterials to promote mesenchymal stem cell differentiation towards particular cell fates (e.g., bone or cartilage). We have genetically engineered modular proteins containing peptides containing growth factors to promote bone differentiation. We recently developed hydrogels containing a blend of collagens I and II, and these hydrogels promote in vitro cartilage differentiation and in vivo cartilage repair. Overall, our work demonstrates that bioactive cues based on peptides or proteins can successfully promote adult stem cell differentiation to desired lineages.