The NUS Tissue Engineering Programme (NUSTEP) is a multidisciplinary programme that aims to develop core competencies and to create innovations in cell and construct technologies for effective integration of living systems for clinical therapies. The goal is to establish a globally competitive programme in tissue engineering with significant research outcomes that will result in international recognition for high quality research with clinical and industrial applications.

Key Objectives

• To engage basic scientists, engineers and clinicians in the strategic development of translational research in Tissue Engineering
• To develop strong partnerships with research institutes, both locally and abroad to develop a world-class program in Tissue Engineering
• To create a conducive environment for education and training of research manpower
• To develop industrial outreach programs in the field of Tissue Engineering

Research Groups

• Musculoskeletal Research Group – helmed by Prof James Hui Hoi Po, Assoc Prof Toh Wei Seong, Asst Prof Dennis Hey Hwee Weng, Asst Prof Wong Keng Lin, Francis, Dr Yang Zheng, Prof James Goh Cho Hong, Prof Lee Eng Hin, Prof Wong Hee Kit .
• Platform Technologies Group – helmed by Prof James Goh, Prof Subbu Venkatraman.
• Spine Research Group – helmed by Assoc Prof Toh Wei Seong, Asst Prof Andy Tay Kah Ping, Asst Prof Sing Swee Leong, Prof James Goh Cho Hong .

Research Focus Areas (Musculoskeletal Research Group )

The Musculoskeletal Research Group focuses on the development of cell-based and cell-free approaches for the repair and regeneration of various musculoskeletal tissue. Projects under Musculoskeletal Research Group are pivoted towards translational application.

Clinical trials

• Autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for cartilage repair
• Silk Sleeve Device for Improving the Graft Bonding at the Bone Tunnel for Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction
• 3D printed polycaprolactone-tricalcium phosphate with heparan sulphate 3 in high tibial osteotomy

Optimisation of mesenchymal stem cells expansion for cartilage regeneration

Recapitulation of zonal organization of articular cartilage

• microfluidic-enriched zonal chondrocytes
• predifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells on nanotopographic platform

Spine research

• Spine fusion: controlled release growth factors
• Intervertebral disc regeneration – Rabbit longitudinal model study
• Sagittal Spinal Alignment and Sarcopenia: role of paraspinal myopathy
• Lumbar spinal stenosis : role of Elastin-Derived Peptides

Therapeutic effect of MSC exosomes in musculoskeletal injuries and diseases

• Cartilage, bone, growth plate, intervertebral disc regeneration
• Immunomodulation of MSC exosomes
• Engineering the paracrine activities of MSC

Research Focus Areas (Platform Technologies Group)

The Platform Technologies Group focuses on the development of various platform technologies ranging from nanomedicine and immune engineering to biomaterials, 3D printing and additive manufacturing.

• Macrophage membrane-coated nanoparticles for enhanced OA therapy
• Proniosome gel for topical delivery of anti-inflammatory agents in OA treatment
• Dynamic magneto-softening of 3D hydrogel reverses malignant transformation of cancer cells and enhances drug efficacy
• Mechano-responsive hydrogel for direct stem cell manufacturing to therapy
• Mechano-activated cell therapy for accelerated diabetic wound healing
• Data Driven Approach to Optimisation of Metal Additive Manufacturing
• Understanding the Melt Pool Dynamics of Metal-based Additive Manufacturing
• Development of High Precision Additive Manufacturing for Integrated Complex Molding Applications
• Interface Gradient Bio-printing for Nasal Osteochondral Junction Regeneration

Research Infrastructure and Support

• 3 units of BSL-2 Cleanrooms designated for cell culture work, 2 units certified Class 10K Cleanroom, and the 3rd unit designated for bioreactor-related culture
• Bioreactors: Flexcell, compression-shear biaxial stimulator
• 3D printing equipment
• Oxygen control workstation
• Histology Lab
• Biomaterials and Scaffold Fabrication Laboratory (silk knitting, electrospinning facility)
• Surface Modification Laboratory
• Bio-Instrument and Microscopy Laboratory
• General Research Laboratory allocated to Principal Investigators
• Staff and post-graduate student seating areas