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SQI: Simpson Querry Institute

Samuel I. Stupp

  • Board of Trustees Professor of Materials Science & Engineering, Chemistry, Medicine, and Biomedical Engineering
  • Director, Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology
  • Director, Center for Regenerative Nanomedicine

PhD, Northwestern University (1977) 

Samuel Stupp's research focuses on supramolecular self-assembly to create functional nanostructures and materials designed for applications ranging from biological activity to improved electronic and photonic properties. The group’s strategy is to design and synthesize organic molecules that are programmed to spontaneously form nanostructures through noncovalent interactions. Development of this area of "supramolecular materials chemistry" can lead to synthetic structures that emulate the shape, dimensions, and function of proteins and other biological macromolecules. An important focus is to apply self-assembling peptide-based materials for applications in regenerative medicine.

The group is also interested in the mineralization of nanostructures to template hybrid organic-inorganic materials inspired by the natural process of biomineralization. These materials could have important biomedical applications such as bone regeneration. New research in the Stupp lab involves developing novel materials that integrate covalent and supramolecular polymers, targeting smart dynamic structures that can function as artificial muscles or exhibit the ability to self-repair.

Areas of Interest

Biomaterials, Materials Properties and Characterization, Nanoscience Synthesis and Devices