Engineering In Vitro Cardiac Models for Cardiovascular Disease Research

Our research focuses on developing human stem cell-based cardiac tissue models to study cardiovascular disease mechanisms and evaluate potential therapeutic strategies. By combining stem cell biology, biomaterials, and tissue engineering, we aim to recreate aspects of the cardiac microenvironment and investigate how cellular interactions with the surrounding environment influence cardiac function and disease progression.

 

Undergraduate students may participate in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) culture and differentiation, fabrication of 3D biomaterial scaffolds, and development of engineered cardiac tissues. Other research activities include quantitative assessment of cell viability and function, lipid nanoparticle (LNP) preparation and drug delivery, and investigation of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their interactions with the extracellular matrix. Depending on project progress, students may also contribute to establishing in vitro disease models and evaluating cellular responses to pathological conditions.

 

Students will gain hands-on experience in stem cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, image analysis, and experimental data interpretation. Specific responsibilities will be adjusted based on individual interests, experience, and project needs. Undergraduate students without prior laboratory experience are welcome to apply.  As research training and skill development take time, we encourage students who are interested in committing to the project for multiple semesters.