Domingues Group
The Domingues Research Group is dedicated to advancing nanobiomaterials, biofabrication, and regenerative medicine. By integrating smart biomaterials, tissue engineering, and nanoscale biointerfaces, our team aims to develop next-generation nanotherapies, microphysiological systems and bioengineered grafts for regenerative medicine, with a strong focus on musculoskeletal diseases. Our goal is to integrate synthetic molecular recognition, nanotechnology, and bioengineering tools with cell mechanobiology to engineer innovative therapeutic solutions. By uncovering fundamental principles of cell mechanotransduction and translating them into precision medicine applications, we aim to address major healthcare challenges in tissue regeneration and disease treatment.
Our research is highly interdisciplinary, bringing together expertise in nanotechnology, biomaterials science, bioengineering, mechanobiology and regenerative medicine to develop cutting-edge solutions at the intersection of fundamental science and translational applications.
Research Lines:
- Smart Nanobiomaterials for Tissue Engineering and Regeneration – Design bioactive nanomaterials for tissue regeneration; develop stimuli-responsive biomaterials, including magnetically and mechanically tunable nanoparticles, for remote-controlled cellular activation; explore biodegradable and biofunctional nanomaterials for controlled drug delivery, immunomodulation, and regenerative therapies.
- Biofabrication and 3D Bioprinting of Functional Tissues – Develop biomimetic scaffolds for soft and musculoskeletal tissue engineering; implement microphysiological systems and organ-on-chip models to simulate tissue microenvironments for disease modeling and drug screening; explore scalable biofabrication strategies to produce engineered grafts and tissue replacements for clinical applications.
- Advanced Nanotechnologies for Remote and Precision Medicine – Design wireless actuation platforms using magneto-responsive biomaterials for targeted mechanotransduction and tissue stimulation; develop nanoscale biointerfaces for regenerative applications; explore biomaterial-enabled nanomedicine approaches for personalized and minimally invasive treatments.
- Mechanobiology of Sensorimotor Interfaces, Inflammation, Healing, and Fibrosis – Investigate nanobiomaterial-mediated immune modulation in wound healing, fibrosis, and aging-related tissue degeneration; investigate biomaterial-based neuromodulation strategies to study and control proprioception, pain signaling, and neuromuscular function; develop immunocompetent tissue-on-chip platforms to study immune cell interactions in soft tissue healing and chronic inflammatory diseases; explore nanomaterial-driven regenerative immunotherapies for tendon, muscle, and cartilage repair.