Samuel Maher

Stem cell therapy is an emerging branch of regenerative medicine that is concerned with the usage of stem cell populations to replace or repair damaged cells to restore normal tissue function. However, using current techniques, the majority of delivered stem cells will migrate away from the local site within a matter of hours and the remaining population has a very low survival rate leaving around 0.05% of the original population to assist in tissue repair.

Samuel’s PhD is investigating the role that mechanobiology and the microenvironment play in stem cell fate. Through the combinatory use of advanced bioprinting and biomaterials, he aims to develop a more representative microenvironment in which we can draw conclusions about stem cell behaviour across a broad spectrum of physiological conditions. Ultimately, Samuel will be designing a biomimetic scaffold that promotes heterogenous cell population growth whilst limiting their migration away from the target site. By doing so, he aims to generate highly translatable platforms that will eventually provide safe and efficacious stem cell therapy options for patients.