Research areas and outputs.
Germ-layer cells obtained through different paths exhibit distinct transcriptional profiles during differentiation. Based on such observations, we want to investigate whether functional cells obtained via different induction routes with different have different functions and therapeutic potential in the context of the endodermal lineage.
This study aims to develop a chemically defined method for obtaining mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) through different germ layers and investigates the key components in the traditional serum culture medium that are essential for in vitro induction of MSCs.
Human PSC colonies exhibit a unique epithelial-mesenchymal gradient of morphology from the periphery to the centre, which reflects a complex interplay of the microenvironment, signalling pathways, cell adhesion, and mechanisms. We aim to employ finite element analysis to establish an in silico platform that can overcome the limitations of traditionally used and technically challenged traction force microscopy, in order to investigate the mechanical properties of pluripotent stem cell colonies and understand the reasons for such interesting morphology.
Additive manufacturing offers great potential to fabricate more effective prostheses used for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). While porous implants could provide better osseointegration and avoid stress shielding, a porous structure could compromise the mechanical strength of these prostheses. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the design of these structures to achieve a balance between osseointegration and mechanical functions. In this project, finite element analysis (FEA) will be employed to investigate the correlation between peak stress and pore size in TKA prostheses made of Biolox® delta ceramic and tantalum, thereby optimizing the design of these prostheses for enhanced strength and osseointegration.
This study explores hydrogels, a type of biomaterial with excellent biocompatibility and easy preparation, as potential carriers for cell therapy and 3D cell culture scaffolds. We used a hydrogel made from dibenzaldehyde-terminated poly (ethylene-glycol) (DF-PEG) and glycol chitosan (GC), which is self-healing, injectable, and quickly prepared. The hydrogel’s adaptability as a 3D cell culture medium was tested by adjusting its mechanical strength to find ideal conditions for different tissue cells. This research contributes to the development of universal theories for 3D culture based on hydrogels.
Y. Meng, C. Deng, X. Xiao, S. Wei, C. Song, J. Wang, CL Lei, W. Liu, G. Chen, The modulation of calcium and chloride channels induces cardiomyocytes from human pluripotent stem cells. Int. J. Biol. Sci. 2025; 21(1): 95-108
Z. Li, W. Li, S. Wei, Q. Zhu, Genetic engineering bacterium for simultaneously producing glycolic acid and lactic acid as well as construction method and application of genetic engineering bacterium, China Patent CN109337848A, 2019
S. Wei, Z. Zhang, Y. Chen, T. Sun, L. Li, G. Chen, Chemically Defined Platform for Standardised Culture and Immunomodulatory Evaluation of Human MSCs, Poster, Singapore Cell and Gene Therapy (SCGT) Pan Asia Summit 2025, Jul. 2025
S. Wei, Z. Zhang, G. Chen, Finite Element Analysis of hPSC Colony Mechanics: From Single Cells to Colonies, Poster, 11th Macau Symposium on Biomedical Sciences (MSBS), Jun. 2025
S. Wei, Z. Zhang, G. Chen, Finite Element Analysis of hPSC Colony Mechanics: From Single Cells to Colonies, Poster, 4th International Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area Conference in Regenerative Medicine (GBRM), May 2025
S. Wei, Z. Zhang, G. Chen, Finite Element Analysis of hPSC Colony Mechanics: From Single Cells to Colonies, Poster, 9th Symposium on Biomedical Sciences for Students, Postdoctoral Fellows and Research Assistants, Mar. 2025
S. Wei, G. Chen, Signalling Pathways During the Journey Towards Definitive Endoderm: Those Who Can and Those Who Cannot, Poster, 10th Macau Symposium on Biomedical Sciences (MSBS), Jun. 2024
S. Wei, G. Chen, Signalling Pathways During the Journey Towards Definitive Endoderm: Those Who Can and Those Who Cannot, Poster, 8th Symposium on Biomedical Sciences for Students, Postdoctoral Fellows and Research Assistants, Mar. 2024
S. Wei, Z. Zhang, G. Chen, "Qualitative analysis of hPSC colony mechanics with finite element method", Poster, 9th Macau Symposium on Biomedical Sciences (MSBS), Jun. 2023
S. Wei, A. Entezari, "Design optimization of total knee arthroplasty prostheses: an FEA study", Poster, 7th Symposium on Biomedical Sciences for Students, Postdoctoral Fellows and Research Assistants, Apr. 2023
S. Wei, Z. Zhang, G. Chen, "Qualitative analysis of hPSC colony mechanics with finite element analysis", Poster, 2nd International Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area Conference in Regenerative Medicine (GBRM), Apr. 2023
S. Wei, A. Entezari, "Design optimization of total knee arthroplasty prostheses: an FEA study", Poster, 8th Macau Symposium on Biomedical Sciences (MSBS), Oct. 2022