Department of Chemistry


Microstructure of the new bioactive material. The fibers are in pink; hyaluronic acid is shown in purple. Image by the Stupp Group

New biomaterial regrows damaged cartilage in joints

A crucial component in joints, cartilage is notoriously difficult to repair

Northwestern University scientists have developed a new bioactive material that successfully regenerated high-quality cartilage in the knee joints of a large-animal model.

Although it looks like a rubbery goo, …



Deep sea

Deep-ocean floor produces its own ‘dark oxygen’

New study finds metallic minerals act as geobatteries to split water

An international team of researchers, including a Northwestern University chemist, has discovered that metallic minerals on the deep-ocean floor produce oxygen — 13,000 feet below the surface.

The surprising …