The Zhu Lab
Bioactive & Bioresorbable Materials
Bioactive materials are substances that interact with or stimulate a response from living tissue. They are specifically designed to produce a specific biological response at the surface of the material, leading to the formation of a bond between the material and the living tissues. Bioresorbable materials, also known as biodegradable materials, are designed to break down within the body over time and be absorbed or excreted, thus eliminating the need for surgical removal after they have fulfilled their function. These materials are primarily used for temporary functions in the body, such as scaffolding to support tissue growth, or in applications like sutures, stents, and drug delivery systems. The degradation rate of these materials can be tailored to match the time required for healing or therapeutic action, making them highly useful in regenerative medicine and other biomedical applications.
Bioceramics
Our laboratory is exploring the use of 3D-printed bioactive ceramic materials for bone regeneration. These ceramics can be augmented by combining them with metals, doping with other materials, or incorporating cells to create hybrid scaffolds that enhance regeneration outcomes.
Hydrogels
Our lab is developing injectable hydrogels for the healing of nonunion bone fractures, particularly in patients with osteoporosis, diabetes, or other conditions. These hydrogels are valued for their ability to be molded into unique shapes and their potential to facilitate targeted drug release.
Bioactive Polymers
Our lab is investigating the use of 3D-printed, bioactive, and bioresorbable polymer scaffolds to enhance bone regeneration in critical size defects. These materials can also be combined with ceramics or metals to improve the outcomes.
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Biodegradable Metals
Our lab is developing biodegradable metals, including magnesium- and zinc-based alloys, for use in orthopedic, vascular, and cardiac applications, such as bone fixation devices, bone scaffolds, stents, and cardiac pacing wires.
Nanomaterials
Our lab is investigating the use of nanomaterials as an innovative therapy for arthritis and cartilage repair. We are attaching drugs to the surface of these particles to achieve controlled release, which helps mitigate the immune response and promote a regenerative environment.
Organoids
Organoids are miniature 3D tissue constructs that mimic the structure, function, cell population, and developmental processes of native organs. Our lab is currently focused on developing brain and bone organoids as models or potential therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and bone regeneration.
