Illinois I-mark

Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Researchers work to put stem cells in their place

April 29, 2013

Hyunjoon Kong, Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Chemistry Professor Steve Zimmerman, and Professor and Vice President for Research Dr. Larry Schook are developing a polymer coating that could help an individual’s stem cells target inflamed cells to regrow healthy tissue and calm inflammation. Their research has been published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. Read the C&EN article.

A new targeting molecule (purple/red) could help stem cells (large red balls) adhere to the surfaces of inflamed blood vessels. The molecules coat the stem cells’ membranes, presenting peptides (red helices) that then bind proteins (yellow protrusions) in the inflamed tissue.
A new targeting molecule (purple/red) could help stem cells (large red balls) adhere to the surfaces of inflamed blood vessels. The molecules coat the stem cells’ membranes, presenting peptides (red helices) that then bind proteins (yellow protrusions) in the inflamed tissue.