Harnessing nature’s inspiration for biomaterials innovation
- Date: 13 February 2025, 15:00–16:00
- Location: Ångström Laboratory, Å2001
- Type: Seminar
- Lecturer: Hongji Yan
- Web page
- Organiser: Natalia Ferraz
- Contact person: Karin Magnusson
Dr. Yan’s seminar will present his recent discoveries in engineered purified-mucin gels, synthesised using click or bioorthogonal chemistry. His work has demonstrated "mucus-like" gels for lubrication and infection prevention (e.g., HIV, HSV), and other sexually transmitted infections, as well as engineered "stable" mucin gels and microdroplets for microencapsulation of microtissues that evade immune detection. Furthermore, his work has shown that these gels form a localised immunosuppressive barrier, effectively protecting the remaining nucleus pulposus of intervertebral discs (IVD) from immune cell attacks, providing a novel solution for post-surgical care, helping to prevent further damage following the removal of herniated discs.
Mucus, with varying viscoelastic properties across different organs, moisturizes and lubricates our epithelium, protects against bacteria and viruses, and is an integral part of mucosal immunity. Mucins, the key non-aqueous components of mucus, are multifunctional. The properties of mucus, and the complexity and structural integrity of mucins are crucial for their function.
Building on the body's mucus function, Dr. Yan's research focuses on developing mucin gels with tailored properties for medical applications, including infection prophylaxis and immunomodulation in regenerative and transplantation settings.