Synthetic Matrices Core

Summary

The Synthetic Matrices Innovative Technology Core provides chemically defined synthetic hydrogels, synthetic thin films, and synthetic microparticles for use in each of the proposed Projects. The overall goal of the Synthetic Matrices core is to provide chemically defined environments for “biologically driven assembly” of organotypic culture models. Extensive studies have demonstrated our ability to generate Synthetic Matrices with adaptable chemistries and in array-based formats for high throughput screening.

Synthetic Matrices have demonstrated the ability to support robust assembly of organotypic human vasculature and CNS tissues, with unprecedented reproducibility from well-to-well and from experiment-to-experiment. The Synthetic Matrices core is led by Professor William Murphy, who is a recognized leader in development of synthetic biomaterials. The Synthetic Matrices Core is supported by strategic partnerships with companies that will supply custom polymers and peptides as feedstock for Matrix synthesis.

Figure Examples of material properties and chemistries that can be modified in the synthetic matrices core to generate defined synthetic hydrogels, films, or microparticles. Figure is adapated from Murphy et al. Nature Materials 2014

Example: Vasculature Formed in 3D Synthetic Hydrogels:

Prof. William Murphy

Synthetic Matrices Core
Director

The overall goal of the Synthetic Matrices core is to provide chemically defined environments for “biologically driven assembly” of organotypic culture models. Extensive studies have demonstrated our ability to generate Synthetic Matrices with adaptable chemistries and in array-based formats for high throughput screening.