Yong Wang, University of Connecticut, DMR 0955358

1. CAREER: Creation of Complex Biomimetic Materials via Molecular Recognition Yong Wang, University of Connecticut, DMR 0955358 This CAREER proposal is aimed to create a new generation of biomaterials. It is a challenge to develop biomaterials that can mimic multiple functions of human tissues. We hypothesize that biomolecular nanostructures with recognition capability can be incorporated into support materials as novel effectors for mimicking multiple, complex, and dynamic roles of human tissues. Thus, the novel tissue-like biomaterials are able to “listen to” and “talk with” cells growing inside and outside of the biomaterials. Eventually, the desired behavior of cells (e.g., stem cells) can be regulated at will for tissue repair or organ regeneration. To enable the novel biomaterials to mimic the functionality of human tissues, we will apply diverse molecular recognition principles as a tool to incorporate multifunctional linkers, polysaccharides, growth factors, ions, and many other components into the hydrogel, thereby “engineering” a single complex unit.  It is expected that the coordination of numerous signals from the tissue-like biomaterials will determine whether cells undergo proliferation, migration, differentiation, or other critical functions. The acquired knowledge can also be applied to various areas such as separation, adsorption, sensing, imaging and therapy. Figure 1. Multiple molecular recognition principles are applied to create a tissue-like biomaterial. The novel biomaterials not only provide cells with mechanical stimuli, but also biophysical and biochemical signals. Representative paper acknowledging this award: Soontornworajit, B., Zhou, J., Zhang, Z., Wang, Y. Aptamer-functionalized in situ injectable hydrogel for controlled protein release. Biomacromolecules. 2010; 11: 2724-2730.

2. CAREER: Creation of Complex Biomimetic Materials via Molecular Recognition Yong Wang, University of Connecticut, DMR 0955358 A seamless, encouraging and collaborative learning “stream” can advance scientific discovery and educate the younger generations with 21st century skills. To achieve this goal, we will: ☺ collaborate with high school teachers to give nanobiotechnology lectures in the Advanced Biology class; ☺develop a collaborative and encouraging environment that involves students of different levels; ☺ develop and teach a new course focusing on nanobiotechnology and nanobiomaterials. To achieve broader impacts, we will also: ☺establish a popular science “world of nanobiotechnology” website to educate the public and K-12 students in understanding the significance of biomaterials and nanobiotechnology; ☺edit a new section in the Handbook of Biomedical Engineering for professional readers to understand the far-reaching and paradigm-shifting implications of nanobiotechnology for drug delivery. Top: Undergraduate and K-12 students receiving the training of synthesizing and characterizing intelligent hydrogels. Bottom: Microscopy images of alginate hydrogels synthesized by the undergraduate and K-12 students.