Denver C. Surrao
Papers
1
Total Citations
11
H-Index
1
About
Denver C. Surrao is a leading figure in biomaterials and tissue engineering, whose work has advanced our understanding of cell–material interactions. His research centers on designing functionalized synthetic scaffolds that mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM), with a particular focus on cell-adhesion peptides (CAPs). Surrao’s most cited study, “Going beyond RGD: screening of a cell-adhesion peptide library in 3D cell culture” (2020, 11 citations), tackles a critical bottleneck in the field: the over-reliance on the ubiquitous RGD sequence. By systematically screening a library of alternative CAPs in three-dimensional culture systems, he identified novel peptide motifs that better replicate the complexity of natural ECM macromolecules. This work provides a powerful toolkit for engineering more physiologically relevant microenvironments, enabling improved control over cell behavior in regenerative medicine. Surrao’s contributions are particularly notable for bridging the gap between traditional 2D assays and more predictive 3D models, offering a pathway toward next-generation biomaterials for tissue repair and organ engineering. His research continues to inspire new strategies for designing smart, bioactive scaffolds.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1