We are an interdisciplinary research group with interests in biological and bioinspired materials, tissue repair and regeneration, and the biology of aging and rejuvenation. Our mission is to advance the frontiers of knowledge and to improve the human experience through basic science and translational research. At the core of our group is a passion for discovery. We believe that groundbreaking research and world-class training of the next generation of changemakers are the twin engines of progress, and we strive to integrate them to address the most pressing challenges of our time.
Mission
Mussel Adhesion and Mussel-Inspired Materials
Our group has invested several decades of research into mussel adhesion and mussel-inspired materials. Mussels secrete remarkable protein-based adhesives whose sole purpose is to anchor onto substrates in the turbulent marine environment. The mussel byssus is formed in minutes from protein-rich secretions that undergo an in-situ hardening reaction to form a tissue that mediates the …
Aging and Rejuvenation
In the fall of 2025, Prof. Messersmith became PI of former Prof. Irina Conboy’s group after Irina left UC Berkeley. We are grateful for Irina’s many years of distinguished research on various aspects of aging, and we look forward to continuing this important work. Listed below are several ongoing projects. Clearing Senescent and Cancer Cells …
Tissue Adhesives and Sealants
Tissue adhesives and sealants are ubiquitous in the modern medical and dental clinic, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional mechanical closure methods like sutures and staples. These materials allow practitioners to accomplish their clinical goals by providing immediate mechanical support, control bleeding and promote healing of tissues. The term “adhesive” designates a material designed …
Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine is a broad interdisciplinary field focused on repairing, replacing, or regenerating human cells, tissues, or organs to restore normal physiological function. Tissue engineering is a core sub-discipline that specifically applies the principles of engineering and life sciences, often utilizing porous scaffolds. The vast majority of work in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering relies …
Sustainable Materials
Rapid global expansion in plastics use represents a significant threat to our environment and to human health. Reliance on fossil fuel feedstocks coupled with the lack of effective recycling systems for most plastics, has led to persistent environmental pollution and the pervasive spread of harmful microplastics. To safeguard both the environment and human health, we …
Nanotechnology & Nanomedicine
Nanotechnology refers to a variety of technologies that utilize materials with dimensions in the 1–1000 nm range. The basis of this field is the long-standing observation that physical properties of many materials are fundamentally different in the nano size range as compared to larger particles of the same material. When these concepts are specifically applied …