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Matthew L Becker

Hugo L. Blomquist Distinguished Professor of Chemistry
Chemistry
B120 Levine Science Res Center, 308 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27708
B120 Levine Science Res Center, 308 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27708

Overview


The Becker Laboratory for Functional Biomaterials is a multidisciplinary organic materials group working at the interface of chemistry, engineering and medicine.   We are developing families of degradable polymers with highly tunable physical and biological properties that are being applied to unmet needs in flexible electronics, soft tissue repair, neural, orthopedic and vascular tissue engineering.  We are also actively engaged in additive manufacturing and the development of custom inks …

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Hugo L. Blomquist Distinguished Professor of Chemistry · 2020 - Present Chemistry, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Professor of Chemistry · 2019 - Present Chemistry, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Material Science · 2019 - Present Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Pratt School of Engineering
Professor of Biomedical Engineering · 2019 - Present Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering

In the News


Published June 14, 2023
How the Partnership of a Duke Ph.D. and a Professor Led to Multiple Medical Device Start-Ups
Published January 26, 2022
Sweet Science: Researchers Develop Recyclable Plastics Based on Sugars
Published January 11, 2021
Post-Surgical Patch Releases Non-Opioid Painkiller Directly to the Wound

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Recent Publications


Sex-based differences in cell migration on aligned topographies

Journal Article Scientific Reports · December 1, 2025 Sexual dimorphism has been observed in many physiological and pathological responses, yet few studies incorporate both female and male experimental groups for preclinical work. For the development of biomaterial devices, in vitro studies are essential for ... Full text Cite

Review of Gaps in the Clinical Indications and Use of Neural Conduits and Artificial Grafts for Nerve Repair and Reconstruction.

Journal Article Biomacromolecules · July 2025 Peripheral nerve injuries remain a significant clinical challenge, with limited tools available to physicians and patients. Although autografts are the gold standard for nerve reconstruction, they are limited by donor-site morbidity and availability. Comme ... Full text Cite

Resorbable 3D-Printed Osteosynthetic Plates for Rib Fracture Repair.

Journal Article Adv Healthc Mater · June 2025 Rib fractures are common among blunt chest trauma patients and are a hallmark of severe thoracic injury with high morbidity and mortality rates. The standard treatment of most rib fracture cases is limited to pain control and respiratory support, with the ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Pharmacological Sciences Training Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030

Boston Children's/UCLA/Duke Next Generation Regeneration for Osteoarthritis (BUD NextGenRegen for OA)

ResearchInvestigator · Awarded by Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health · 2024 - 2029

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Education, Training & Certifications


Washington University in St. Louis · 2003 Ph.D.
Washington University in St. Louis · 2000 M.A.
Northwest Missouri State University · 1998 B.S.