The Richbourg lab spans fundamental biomaterials research and translational application to clinical problems. Projects will develop around the skills and interests of the lab members, but leading directions are the development of fundamental models describing structure-property relationships in hydrogels, refining 3D tissue-mimicking cell culture implementation and analysis for modeling cell-environment interactions, and addressing disease mechanisms in the bone marrow microenvironment, including cancer, aging, and dysregulated hematopoiesis.
Hydrogel Design
Our hydrogel design approach is based on the Swollen Polymer Network (SPN) model, developed by Dr. Richbourg during his PhD. Currently, the SPN model connects four fundamental structural parameters to three physical properties (swelling, stiffness, and solute transport), but the intention is to continue refining the accuracy and breadth of applicability of the model. The idea of modular hydrogel design builds on the SPN model to create application-optimized hydrogels, including addressing important biochemical properties. The latest information on the SPN model and modular hydrogel design principles are available at our tutorial website, hydrogeldesign.org.
3D Cell-Environment Interactions
Tissue-Mimicking Hydrogels
We develop modular, application-optimized hydrogels to serve as controlled microenvironments that replicate the physical and biochemical properties of native tissues. By controlling hydrogel physical and biochemical properties: stiffness, solute transport, and the concentration, type, and distribution of bioactive peptides, we can mimic key features of different tissues and even the differences between healthy and diseased tissues. These biomaterial models allow us to investigate cell-environment interactions that regulate healthy homeostasis and disease progression.
Cell Characterization in 3D Culture
Transitioning from 2D surfaces to 3D culture models is essential for understanding how cells respond to their physical and chemical surroundings. Our lab focuses on refining techniques for implementing and analyzing cells within our 3D hydrogel scaffolds. By creating biomimetic environments, we aim to better observe and quantify how cells adhere, migrate, and proliferate in contexts that accurately represent human physiology, allowing for higher-fidelity modeling of complex cell-environment interactions.
Addressing Diseases in Bone Marrow
Hematopoietic stem cells
Hematopoietic stem cells are the foundation of the blood and immune systems, yet their function is deeply dependent on the specialized niche within the bone marrow. We utilize our custom-designed hydrogel platforms to study HSC behavior, maintenance, and differentiation in vitro. By replicating the unique mechanical and biochemical cues of the marrow niche, we seek to uncover the fundamental rules that govern stem cell activity and identify how the microenvironment influences their long-term health and function.
Senescence and Cancer
The bone marrow microenvironment plays a critical role in the progression of malignancies and the effects of aging. We investigate how dysregulated cellular environments—specifically those characterized by senescence—contribute to disease pathology. By applying our hydrogel design principles to the marrow niche, we are working to model the interplay between aging cells, cancer progression, and impaired hematopoiesis. Our goal is to translate these fundamental insights into a deeper understanding of bone marrow diseases and to explore new strategies for therapeutic intervention.
