Xin Wei

My PhD research is guided by the mission of designing adaptive molecular systems that bridge chemistry, materials science, biology, and medicine. I use 3D bioprinting to create smart hydrogel structures that protect nerve cells, guide their growth, and release bioactive signals to support nerve regeneration. These hydrogels are built as higher-order assemblies: a soft inner core that hosts living cells and a stable, conductive outer shell that provides structural support while enabling electrical communication. Far from being passive scaffolds, they act as adaptive environments that protect and interact with cells, ensuring survival and functionality after printing. Nerve repair serves as a compelling example, but the concept is broader: the same strategy can be applied to tissue regeneration whenever directional growth and controlled cell–environment interactions are needed. By integrating nanoparticles that release growth factors, I aim to introduce dynamic feedback and stimulus responsiveness, making the constructs even more life-like. This work exemplifies our vision of transforming molecules into adaptive systems: molecular assemblies organized into compartments that do not only host cells but also communicate, respond, and evolve with them. In this way, 3D bioprinting becomes not only a fabrication tool but a platform to realize life-like matter and open new possibilities for regenerative medicine.