This webinar is presented by Smart MCs as part of our Scientific Webinar Series, focusing on innovations in biomaterials, cell production, and biomedical applications.
This session will showcase how materials chemistry can be harnessed to design dynamic hydrogels that mimic the signalling and architecture of natural tissue. Prof. Kristopher Kilian will present supramolecular assembly strategies for hierarchically structured, self-healing hydrogels with tuneable mechanics, and demonstrate how biochemical and biophysical cues can drive desirable stem cell behaviours. He will also highlight the potential of these “soft materials” as advanced delivery systems, including controlled release for therapeutic applications.
Webinar Details
Date: Monday, 29 September 2025
Time: 4:00 PM (AEST – Sydney)
Location: Zoom
For attendees in other time zones:
- Monday, 29 September – 2:00 PM (SGT – Singapore)
- Monday, 29 September – 10:00 AM (GST – Dubai)
- Monday, 29 September – 6:00 AM (BST – London)
- Sunday, 28 September – 11:00 PM (PDT – Los Angeles, USA)
Full Abstract
Title: Inspired by Nature: Biomaterials Design for Therapeutic Cell Production and Delivery
Most hydrogels used in biomedical applications display a homogeneous, static architecture. In contrast, natural hydrogels in tissue are highly dynamic, constantly remodelling in chemistry, architecture, and mechanical properties. In this presentation, Prof. Kilian will demonstrate how materials chemistry can be used to fabricate dynamic hydrogels that mimic natural signalling.
First, he will show how supramolecular assembly can be used to create hierarchically structured hydrogels with tuneable mechanics and self-healing behaviour. Next, he will demonstrate how modifying the biochemical and biophysical attributes can promote desirable activities in stem cells, towards next-gen support matrices for cell production. Finally, the potential of using these soft materials as cell delivery vehicles will be presented, with examples of tailored release through integrating complementary assembly motifs.
Together, these examples demonstrate how the principles of self-assembly and biorecognition serve as powerful drivers in biomaterials design for biotechnology and biomedical applications.
About the Speaker
Professor Kristopher Kilian is Co-Director of the Australian Centre for NanoMedicine and Theme Lead of the Biomedical & Health Theme at UNSW Sydney. His research focuses on the design and development of dynamic biomaterials for cell and tissue engineering, with an emphasis on mimicking the extracellular environment.
Prof. Kilian’s career includes appointments at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of Chicago, and UNSW Sydney, where he is currently Professor of Chemistry and Materials Science. His work has been recognised with numerous honours, including the ARC Future Fellowship, the NSF CAREER Award, and recognition as a Eureka Prize finalist.
To learn more about Prof. Kilian’s research and laboratory, please visit the Kilian Lab website: kilianlab.com
Why Attend?
- Learn how supramolecular assembly enables hierarchically structured hydrogels with self-healing behaviour
- Discover how biochemical and biophysical cues can drive desirable stem cell behaviours
- Explore soft-material delivery systems for controlled therapeutic release
- Join a live Q&A with a global leader in biomaterials research
👉 Register now by completing the form below.
For any questions about this webinar or our products (microcarriers, hydrogels, microfluidics, reagents, and consumables), email us at info@smartmcs.com.au.
This event is part of the Smart MCs Webinar Series, designed to share insights into bioprocessing, cell biology, and biomedical innovation.
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