Research Focus

Our research can be categorized within the rapidly-emerging field of bioengineering termed "tissue engineering". This field can be defined as the manipulation of cells using biochemical factors, synthetic materials, and mechanics, to form multi-dimensional structures that carry out the functions of normal tissue in vitro or in vivo. My work focuses on controlling the spatial and temporal presentation of molecular ligands and physical cues which are known to influence cell behavior. Current projects include: (1) synthesis of new materials that control cells from the solid phase at a microscopic level and synthesis of new three-dimensional architectures that guide tissue morphogenesis at a macroscopic level; (2) determination of cell/matrix organizational principles to provide a basis for future developments in synthesis.

Prof. Griffith's work was recently featured on the PBS series "Scientific American Frontiers". Their website: http://www.pbs.org/saf/1209/segments/1209-2.htm can provide further information.

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