I'm Matthew Fainor.
Scientist. Storyteller. Maker.
As a tissue engineer, my research investigates cell behavior, specifically probing how we direct our regenerative cells to create new, complex composite tissues. The lab in which I work specifically focuses on engineering total tissue-engineered replacement intervertebral discs as an alternative to spinal fusion for patients with debilitating neck and back pain. As a writer, I've written about the maverick designers, founders, and engineers reshaping our relationships with biology and the natural world. My writing often explores how biology will craft our ever shifting future, asking critical questions of the systems we have in place for making innovative, effective, and climate-positive biotechnologies a reality. And as an amateur maker, I dream of a world where traditional practices of making come together with biology to help us better connect with each other in new, imaginative ways.
The Fleshy Futures Blog
Curated news and deep explorations of tissue engineering for those who care about biotechnology’s impact on people and planet.
Illustration
Collection of illustrations, collages, photographs, schematics, 3D-renderings, and experiments.
Current Research
The Gullbrand
Lab
The Gullbrand Lab seeks to better understand and treat intervertebral disc disease. Chronic back pain is the most common cause of disability worldwide and is most prominently caused by the degeneration and collapse of the intervertebral discs. To treat this, surgeons most commonly resort to spinal fusions, which replace our dynamic soft disc tissue with solid metal and bone. Much of our lab's research focuses on developing solutions that will help patients avoid needing spinal fusions altogether. To that end, much of my time is dedicated to growing a living tissue-engineered replacement intervertebral disc that recreates the functionality of the healthy disc and eliminates the pain that often accompanies intervertebral disc collapse.
Former Research
The Chow Lab
The Chow Lab designs and synthesizes modular biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. My work in the lab with Dr. Paula Camacho focused on continuously 3D-printing peptide-modified polymer scaffolds meant to regenerate the knee's osteochondral interface (the gradient of tissues that spans cartilage and bone).
A peek into my love of making.
My journey into biotechnology and biomaterials started with my love for crafting, my love for art, and my love for accessories. Enjoy some of the creations from my making journey thus far.
