Our research interests are centered on developing biological materials for use in delivery and tissue regenerative therapies. We are developing peptide-based hydrogels, heavily hydrated materials, which are finding use in the delivery of therapeutics (e.g. small molecules, biomolecules, and cells) and as extracellular matrix substitutes. Specifically, we have designed “smart” peptides that undergo sol-gel phase transitions in response to environmental cues enabling the direct encapsulation of therapeutics during material formation. Loaded gels can be injected at wound sites for subsequent controlled release of the therapeutic. These materials are cytocompatible and show little tendency to elicit a pro-inflammatory response; as an added bonus, some of the peptide-gels are inherently antibacterial.