My research is at the interface between biology and materials science and engineering and aimed at understanding and controlling the biological synthesis and processing of polymers and polymer interfaces. This understanding is used to control the functional attributes of the polymers related to cell responses, solution properties, architectural control of assembly and self-assembly. This problem is addressed using genetic, physiological and enzymatic approaches. These concepts are also integrated into ongoing efforts in tissue engineering. Our studies are focused on the manipulation of adult human stem cells on novel protein-based matrices in novel bioreactors to generate desired tissue outcomes -- ligament, bone, cartilage.