Cell-Material Interactions
Adherent cells are guided by properties of the substrate such as surface dimension, chemistry, and rigidity. The initial interactions at the cell-surface boundary directly impact the adsorption of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and consequently the biofunctionality of the attached cells. By perturbing the physical and chemical microenvironment at the cell-ECM interface, we hope to gain better knowledge of how cellular functions can be modulated by the materials properties of the substrate.
  • Meng Y, Qin YX, DiMasi E, Ba X, Rafailovich M, Pernodet N. 2009. Biomineralization of a Self-Assembled Extracellular Matrix for Bone Tissue Engineering. Tissue Engineering A 15(2):355-366.
  • Meng Y, Li Y, Galvani CD, Turner JN, Burr TJ, and Hoch HC. 2005 Upstream migration of Xylella fastidiosa via pilus-driven twitching motility. Journal of Bacteriology 187(16): 5560-5567.
Nanotherapeutics
There is much demand for novel therapeutic delivery systems that are safe, effective, and capable of sustaining a localized supply of biomolecules. Ideally the timing, duration and dosage would be personalized for each individual patient. The Nanotherapeutics research focus aims at developing stimuli-responsive biohybrid nanomaterials for the nontoxic, non-viral delivery of drugs and genes. We are particularly interested in utilizing biologically-derived materials from sustainable sources.  

Medical Foods
The current knowledge gap between nutrition and disease prevention demands better knoweldge of our food choices. In particular, the bioavailability of phytochemicals and trace minerals in our diet has directly been linked to different types of cancer; however the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. The Medical Foods focus aims to improve the understanding of the role of micronutrients in the diet, with an emphasis on developing functional food mixtures that promote health and well-being.  
  • Meng Y, and Rao MA. 2005. Rheological and structural properties of cold-water-swelling and heated cross-linked waxy maize starch dispersions prepared in apple juice and water. Carbohydrate Polymers 60(3): 291-300.
  • Meng Y, Rao MA, and Datta AK. 2005. Computer simulation of the pharyngeal bolus transport of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. Transactions of the Institute of Chemical Engineers-Food and Bioproducts 83(C4): 1-9.