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Matthew L Becker

Hugo L. Blomquist Distinguished Professor of Chemistry
Chemistry
B120 Levine Science Res Center, 308 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27708
B120 Levine Science Res Center, 308 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27708

Overview


The Becker Laboratory for Functional Biomaterials is a multidisciplinary organic chemistry and biomaterials group working at the interface of chemistry, engineering and medicine.   My team is developing families of degradable polymers with highly tunable physical, structural and biological properties.  These materials 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 women's health, trauma surgery  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


Published June 14, 2023
How the Partnership of a Duke Ph.D. and a Professor Led to Multiple Medical Device Start-Ups
Published January 26, 2022
Sweet Science: Researchers Develop Recyclable Plastics Based on Sugars
Published January 11, 2021
Post-Surgical Patch Releases Non-Opioid Painkiller Directly to the Wound

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Recent Publications


Mitochondrial transfer from glia to neurons protects against peripheral neuropathy.

Journal Article Nature · January 7, 2026 Primary sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) have long axons and a high demand for mitochondria, and mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in peripheral neuropathy after diabetes and chemotherapy1,2. However, the mechanisms by which primary ... Full text Open Access Link to item Cite

All-PEG-Like Block Copolymers Self-Assemble into Stealth Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery.

Journal Article Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) · January 2026 Poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (POEGMA) is a stealth polymer that does not exhibit polyethylene glycol (PEG) antigenicity. Herein, we engineered self-assembling nanoparticles composed entirely of POEGMA by designing AB diblock copol ... Full text Cite

Stereochemically-Controlled Fluorinated Copolymers for Selectively Permeable Barrier Applications

Journal Article Advanced Functional Materials · January 1, 2026 Selective oxygen permeability coupled with low water vapor transmission is essential for biomedical and packaging applications requiring controlled oxygen flux under humid conditions. However, most high-performance barrier polymers depend on perfluoroalkyl ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants


Pharmacological Sciences Training Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030

Overcoming Complications of Polypropylene Prolapse Meshes: Development of Novel Elastomeric Membranes

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Magee-Womens Research Institute and Foundation · 2019 - 2030

Boston Children's/UCLA/Duke Next Generation Regeneration for Osteoarthritis (BUD NextGenRegen for OA)

ResearchInvestigator · Awarded by Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health · 2024 - 2029

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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.