Suggs Lab

Our lab is primarily interested in the development of biologically active materials 
and their use and behavior in cardiovascular tissue engineering. It is important to 
understand molecular and cellular mechanisms during processes such as vasculogenesis 
as well as the structure of both natural and synthetic polymers and their effect on 
living tissues. With this fundamental knowledge base, biomaterials can be designed 
to mimic naturally occurring structures found in the supporting extracellular matrix.

We utilize a number of techniques including polymer synthesis and characterization 
using traditional wet chemistry techniques as well as various biochemical analysis 
techniques. We culture bone marrow stem cells and evaluate differentiated phenotype 
and function using immunohistochemistry and PCR. Our lab is also working on developing 
in vitro models of vascularization based on coronary vessel development during 
embryogenesis.