Current Projects

The overarching theme of SCBioCRAFT is tissue regeneration through cell-biomaterial interactions using distinctive biomaterials-based approaches. Tissue regeneration involves bringing together scaffolds, cells, biological signals, and a microvascular network in three-dimensional constructs. A combination of factors working independently and in concert, such as scaffold composition, cell selection, cell-matrix interactions, and mechanical cues, determines the success of tissue regeneration; therefore, interdisciplinary research is required. Clemson University’s unique strengths in bioengineering, tissue engineering, biomaterials, and fiber and film technology are complemented by expertise in medicine and developmental biology at Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and University of South Carolina (USC).

Bhattacharya profileSriparna Bhattacharya
Research Assistant Professor
Email: bbhatta@clemson.edu

Ultrasound Triggered Luminescene Therapy

Light is a wonderful stimulus for controlling drug delivery or therapeutic effects as drugs can be delivered noninvasively for targeted, localized treatment. In consultation with the SCBioCRAFT team, a suitable photodynamic therapy (PDT) for treatment in deep tissue regions is being developed.

Alper profileJoshua Alper
Assistant Professor
Email: alper@clemson.edu

Development and Characterization of Dynein-Driven Active Networks for Tissue Engineering Scaffolds

The overarching goal of this project is to develop a tissue engineering scaffold consisting of cytoskeletal filaments and motors that can recapitulate the dynamic mechanical features of native cells and cell substrates. Ultimately, we anticipate that these innovations will help to recapitulate the features of native cell substrates, leading to better patient outcomes.

Larsen profileJessica Larsen
Assistant Professor
Email: larsenj@clemson.edu

Thermally Responsive Hydrogels for In Situ Application Post Brain Tumor Resection

The overarching goal of this project is to improve the current standard of care for brain tumors. Preventing tumor resurgence and healing the brain tissue post-surgery can be performed simultaneously using thermally responsive hydrogels.

Pilla profileSrikanth Pilla
Jenkins Endowed Assistant Professor
Email: spilla@clemson.edu

Wood-Derived Cellulose Scaffold for Tissue Engineering

In this project, we present a novel wood-sourced scaffold that is fabricated by extracting the cellulose skeleton from the wood. Our wood-sourced scaffold provides a less expensive, facile to fabricate and micropattern tunable substrate to investigate the topological effect on cell behavior.

Alexander-Bryant profileAngela Alexander-Bryant
Assistant Professor
Email: angelaa@clemson.edu

Evaluation of Drug-Loaded Peptide Hydrogels in Tissue-Engineered GBM Models

The objective is to use tissue engineering approaches to evaluate the clinical potential of a responsive biomaterial delivery system to improve the efficacy of temozolomide (TMZ), the standard chemotherapy drug used to treat patients with glioblastoma (GBM). Successful completion of the proposed work has the potential to advance therapeutic options for more effective treatment of GBM, enhancing patient outcomes, and overall survival.

Duckett profileSusan Duckett
Ernest L. Corley Jr. Trustees Endowed Chair
Email: sducket@clemson.edu

Computed Tomography Validation for Quantifying Changes in Muscle Size

This research explores how microRNA (miRNA) can be used to alter the proliferation and fusion of satellite cells to stimulate muscle repair. The long-range goal is to test miRNA therapy on longissimus muscle hypertrophy using computed tomography imaging as a noninvasive method for quantifying treatment effects.