Bioinspired Oral Biomaterials and Interfaces (BOBI)

At BOBI, inspired by nature’s materials, molecules, processes and structures, we design and characterize bioinstructive systems capable of controlling supramolecular assembly, spatial–temporal bioactive responses, and selective cellular colonization, with the overarching aim of preventing infection and enhancing regenerative outcomes in dental, oral, and maxillofacial therapies.

We investigate mechanisms governing bio/non-bio interactions to develop advanced materials integrating physical properties (elastic modulus, surface free energy, and engineered topographies) with recombinant and natural polymers and peptides of defined bioactivity. By tailoring physicochemical cues at biointerfaces, we harness extracellular matrix components and dynamic biological interactions to create new bioinstructive materials. Our work includes non-classical biomimetic mineralization for surfaces and scaffolds, biomaterials and biological agents to improve mucosal and hard-tissue integration, modulation of pericellular matrix secretion for controlled bioactivity, and nanoparticle-based inks for 3D-printed oral scaffolds.sector.