William Murphy, PhD

Our research focuses on designing and synthesizing “bioinspired” materials, including soft organic materials like hydrogels and hard inorganic materials like biominerals. Two primary goals characterize the research in our group. The first is to create biomaterials that enable new, fundamental discoveries in stem cell biology. We control the microenvironment surrounding stem cells and study how this “microenvironment” changes their behavior. The second is to create innovative medical devices that can solve underserved clinical needs. Here we work with clinicians and companies to identify significant challenges and opportunities for innovation, and then create materials to address these challenges. We are particularly focused on developing biomaterials that can be translated from concept to clinic. To achieve our goals we have engaged in research that addresses bottlenecks in fields that include stem cell bioprocessing, biomanufacturing, drug delivery, gene delivery, drug screening, and tissue engineering.