Welcome to the Annabi Lab!

Our research interests lie at the interface of biomaterial design, tissue engineering, nano- and micro-engineering technologies. Specifically, the lab has expertise in the development and integration of advanced biomaterials with tissue engineering and microfabrication techniques to create complex functional 3D tissue constructs as well as novel bioadhesives/sealants for surgical applications. Engineering these tissue-like constructs will help to develop therapies, understand disease, and screen drugs for a range of biomedical applications. The ultimate goal of our research program is to translate the engineered microscale biomaterials and tissue constructs into clinic.

To achieve this goal, our laboratory focuses on three major directions:

  1. Biomaterials design: Development of advanced biomaterials with controlled architectural, chemical, physical, and biological properties for soft tissue regeneration or surgical applications (e.g. hemostatic materials/sealants/surgical glues)
  2. Cell and tissue engineering: Studying biomaterial-cell interactions to control cellular function for different tissue engineering applications
  3. Microengineering 3D tissue constructs: Using nano and microfabrication technologies to control cellular behavior and engineer 3D tissues with controlled architectures

The mission of our lab is to create an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment for students to solve biomedical problems. We encourage students to acquire a broad set of skills and knowledge in an area dedicated to the growing interface between engineering, biology and medicine. Our ultimate goal is to translate laboratory discoveries into clinic.  In particular, our lab focuses on the following:

  1. Support a highly collaborative environment to attract students with different skills and background in materials science, engineering and biology and actively engage them in cutting-edge research
  1. Develop clinically translatable solutions for human health by training the next generation of scientists, and nurturing the integration of science, engineering and medicine in a multidisciplinary environment