Biography

2021-present

Concurrent Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame

2021-present

Associate Professor, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame

2017-2021

Concurrent Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame

2016-2021

Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame

2012-2016

NIH NRSA Postdoctoral Fellow, Koch Institute, MIT

2011

Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University

2009

M.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University

2006

B.S. in Chemical Engineering, University of Notre Dame

Selected Awards

2013

NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award

2012

Dudley Childress Award

2011

American Heart Association Featured Chicago Researcher

Research Interests

Using principles based in supramolecular chemistry – that is, “chemistry beyond the molecule” – the Webber Lab is interested in exploiting specific, dynamic interactions between molecules to facilitate improved therapeutics. With this design inspiration, we are modulating the association and self-assembly of oligopeptides in order to create tailored and dynamic matrices for applications in regenerative medicine. We are also using specific, high affinity host-guest macrocycle chemistry to enable precise targeting and transport of drugs and therapeutic agents. Finally, we are generating new classes of recombinant materials using protein-derived affinity motifs to promote three-dimensional structures. In sum, our work aims to leverage the engineering of supramolecular motifs to improve the practice of medicine.

Recent Publications

• Cai, P. C., Krajina, B. A., Kratochvil, M. J., Zou, L., Zhu, A., Burgener, E. B., Bollyky, P. L., Milla, C. E., Webber, M. J., Spakowitz, A. J., Heilshorn, S. C. "Dynamic light scattering microrheology for soft and living materials" 2021 Soft Matter, 17 (7), pp. 1929-1939. DOI:10.1039/d0sm01597k.
• Webber, M. J., Kamat, N. P., Messersmith, P. B., Lecommandoux, S. "Bioinspired Macromolecular Materials" 2021 Biomacromolecules, 22 (1), pp. 1-3. DOI:10.1021/acs.biomac.0c01614.
• Webber, M. J., Pashuck, E. T. "(Macro)molecular self-assembly for hydrogel drug delivery" 2021 Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 172, pp. 275-295. DOI:10.1016/j.addr.2021.01.006.
• Zou, L., Addonizio, C. J., Su, B., Sis, M. J., Braegelman, A. S., Liu, D., Webber, M. J. "Supramolecular Hydrogels via Light-Responsive Homoternary Cross-Links" 2021 Biomacromolecules, 22 (1), pp. 171-182. DOI:10.1021/acs.biomac.0c00950.
• Olson, J. E., Braegelman, A. S., Zou, L., Webber, M. J., Camden, J. P. "Capture of Phenylalanine and Phenylalanine-Terminated Peptides Using a Supramolecular Macrocycle for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Detection" 2020 Applied Spectroscopy, 74 (11), pp. 1374-1383. DOI:10.1177/0003702820937333.
• Xian, S., Webber, M. J. "Temperature-responsive supramolecular hydrogels" 2020 Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 8 (40), pp. 9197-9211. DOI:10.1039/d0tb01814g.