New Materials for Biological Applications. A fundamental limitation in current polymeric biomaterials is the lack independent control over their physical and chemical properties across multiple scales in both time and space. Control over both the chemical and physical properties of a biomaterial is critical to recapture the complex cascades of signals and complex microenvironments found in nature.  Without sophisticated and well-characterized biomaterials, researchers are extremely limited in the questions they can ask and answer in tissue development and regeneration, or in the control they have over the targeting and release of therapeutic agents. By controlling molecular structure, assembly and interaction on multiple levels, we can better replicate the critical aspects of physiological materials and processes. We are developing a research program focusing on the design and development of well-controlled materials for use in biotechnological/biomedical applications. We are specifically interested in materials well-defined spatially and temporally controllable properties.