Overview:
Designing biomaterials that can effectively deliver macromolecular therapeutics presents a persistent challenge. In particular, such materials must be structured to accomplish efficient, highly specific site targeting, both at the cellular and at the sub-cellular level. They must also be responsive to cellular and environmental cues at their target site in order to initiate the appropriate levels and timing of therapeutic release.
The Sullivan laboratory is focused on the design of drug delivery biomaterials that can accomplish cell and organelle-specific delivery of macromolecular therapeutics by tuned biodegradation. We are particularly interested in understanding how such macromolecular therapeutics might be used to modulate or improve the structure of newly synthesized extracellular matrix (ECM). As such, we are focused on quantitatively understanding the principles that govern fibrosis and ECM regeneration, and on designing materials that can target and respond to cellular cues during these processes.
