Overview
The Becker Laboratory for Functional Biomaterials is a multidisciplinary organic materials group working at the interface of chemistry, engineering and medicine. We are developing families of degradable polymers with highly tunable physical and biological properties that are being applied to unmet needs in flexible electronics, soft tissue repair, neural, orthopedic and vascular tissue engineering. We are also actively engaged in additive manufacturing and the development of custom inks that are enabling unique solutions to challenging design paradigms in biomaterials and drug delivery.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Hugo L. Blomquist Distinguished Professor of Chemistry
·
2020 - Present
Chemistry,
Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Professor of Chemistry
·
2019 - Present
Chemistry,
Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Material Science
·
2019 - Present
Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science,
Pratt School of Engineering
Professor of Biomedical Engineering
·
2019 - Present
Biomedical Engineering,
Pratt School of Engineering
In the News
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Recent Publications
Observation of Dynamic Aggregation Behavior in Thermoresponsive Micro- and Nanoparticles via Diffusion-Ordered NMR Spectroscopy.
Journal Article J Am Chem Soc · March 19, 2025 Stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems have expanded the diversity of potential cargos by protecting payloads, extending circulation, and controlling payload release. However, quantitative characterization methods that accurately describe these complex s ... Full text Link to item CiteBioresorbable Suture Anchor Clips for Soft Tissue Wound Repair.
Journal Article Biomacromolecules · March 10, 2025 Mesh suture is an emerging technology for closing high-tension soft tissue wounds. However, bulky mesh surgical knots can irritate surrounding tissue and harbor bacteria, leading to an increased risk of infection and palpability. Thus, a degradable knotles ... Full text Link to item CiteSynthesis of Cationic Cyclic Oligo(disulfide)s via Cyclo-Depolymerization: A Redox-Responsive and Potent Antibacterial Reagent.
Journal Article Journal of the American Chemical Society · February 2025 Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and synthetic topologically defined peptide mimics have been developed as alternatives to traditional small-molecule antibiotics. AMP mimetics arising from linear polymers used widely in preclinical studies have shown promise ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
Boston Children's/UCLA/Duke Next Generation Regeneration for Osteoarthritis (BUD NextGenRegen for OA)
ResearchInvestigator · Awarded by Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health · 2024 - 2029Biofabrication of Surface-functionalized Composite Grafts for Vascularized Bone Regeneration Following Craniomaxillofacial Trauma
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Ohio State University · 2024 - 2028University Training Program in Biomolecular and Tissue Engineering
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 1994 - 2027View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Washington University in St. Louis ·
2003
Ph.D.
Washington University in St. Louis ·
2000
M.A.
Northwest Missouri State University ·
1998
B.S.