We are engineering biomaterials and surfaces to guide cellular fate. We mimic specific features of natural tissues, notably their biochemical and physical properties. Using stem cells and engineered biomaterials, we perform fundamental studies
in vitro in collaboration with biochemists and cell biologists, and applied studies
in vivo in collaboration with clinicians. We aim to understand how growth factors, chemokines, adhesion proteins and glycosaminoglycans can cooperate in the extracellular matrix (ECM) to orient cell fate. We optimize 3D scaffolds for applications in regenerative medicine for bone tissue engineering and cancer therapeutics.
Research topics
Tissue Biomimetism
 We develop 2D platforms able to mimic defined aspects of the extracellular matrix, for molecular and cellular studies. Surfaces functionalization with glycans, adhesion peptides, growth factors and chemokines is precisely controlled in terms of molecular surface density and orientation. These well-defined platforms can be used for cellular studies: differentiation, migration, signaling, and molecular cross-talks ( more info). |
Bone Tissue Engineering
We develop biomaterials for investigating the signaling mechanisms of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMP) presented in a "matrix-bound" manner as well as for enhancing osteoinductive properties of BMP-loaded films onto implants for orthopedic, dental and maxillo-facial surgery, to enhance their osteoinductive properties ( more info). |
Biomaterials for Cancer Therapy
We engineer biopolymeric films and capsules for the delivery of bioactive molecules, including chemokines, hydrophobic drugs or peptides, and to study the response of breast cancer cells to these biofunctional films ( more info). |
Researchers and Staff
StudentsAdrià Sales, Post-doc
Arunkumar Rengaraj, Post-doc
Julius Sefkow-Werner, PhD student
Valia Khodr, PhD student
Charlotte Garot, PhD student
Michael Bouyer, PhD student
COVID-19 #LesChercheursMobilisés: the testimonies of Catherine Picart's team