Bruce Dunn, Ph.D.

Dunn creates finely textured surfaces that use chemicals and molecules to keep stem cells in a state of pluripotency or to direct them to differentiate into tissue-specific cells. These surfaces can also draw stem cells together to form patterns. Together with center member Brigitte Gomperts, M.D., Dunn created 3D lung organoids that mimic the air sac structures of human lungs. These organoid models enable researchers to gain unprecedented insights into lung diseases, to study the effects of environmental toxicants on lung tissue and to test new therapies. 

A leading figure in the materials science community, Dunn spearheaded the use of sol-gel materials to encapsulate biomolecules in transparent inorganic matrices, thus leading to solid-state materials with biochemical properties. He continues to develop new encapsulation methods for cells, vesicles and antibodies to create functioning biochemical systems. The applications for these methods include the production of biochemical products such as ATP, the development of immunoassays and the fabrication of biological fuel cells.  

Dunn also creates materials and coatings with designed optical, electrical, electrochemical and biochemical properties. These materials and coatings are used in a wide range of devices for sensing, energy generation and storage and communications. Dunn hopes his research will lead to novel technologies that meet increasing demand for compact and non-invasive biomedical devices and renewable energy sources that are cost-effective, environmentally friendly and readily available.