Nikolaos Pipis, a Ph.D. candidate in Dr. Josephine Allen’s lab (Allen Research Group), recently co-authored a review article published in ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering. The paper, titled “Multifunctional DNA-Collagen Biomaterials: Developmental Advances and Biomedical Applications,” explores the emerging potential of DNA-collagen complexes as versatile biomaterials.

The review highlights the unique properties of DNA-collagen complexes, which combine the structural benefits of collagen with the bioactivity of nucleic acids. These complexes have shown promise in a range of biomedical applications, including tissue regeneration, wound healing, angiogenesis, and gene delivery. By combining these two components, the resulting materials offer enhanced biocompatibility, bioactivity, and stability against enzymatic degradation.

The paper delves into the science behind DNA-collagen complexes, which can form various structures such as nanoparticles, microfibers, and hydrogels. These materials can be tailored based on the types and amounts of collagen and nucleic acids used. The review also explores how specific nucleic acids, such as siRNA and DNA aptamers, are integrated into the collagen matrix, improving bioactivity and the ability to mimic natural tissue environments.

Pipis and Allen trace the history of DNA-collagen complexes and explore their development over time. They highlight how advancements in the design of these materials are shifting the field toward more effective solutions in gene delivery and tissue engineering. The authors also emphasize the importance of these biomaterials in creating self-assembling nanofibrils that closely resemble the architecture of native extracellular matrices, offering new opportunities for therapeutic interventions in regenerative medicine.

The Allen Research Group focuses on a wide range of topics within tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.