Welcome to

STeLa,

The Single-Step Scaffold Technology Laboratory

Dedicated to advancing cultivated meat and biomedical research through scaffold material technology.

About Us

Prof Tan Lay Poh

We are a research group in the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, led by Prof. Tan Lay Poh.

Our laboratory is dedicated to advancing cultivated meat and biomedical research through our single-step scaffold technology.

Tailor sustainable materials and processes for food and agriculture

We strive to develop scaffold materials that minimize environmental impact while delivering high performance and value. We are currently focused on promoting cultivated meat and sustainable agriculture through our single-step scaffold method.

Lessen or repurpose biowaste via valorization technologies

Our lab is developing innovative waste valorization technologies that enable the transformation of waste into valuable resources. We aim to promote a circular economy by developing new materials and processes that extract value from waste streams.

Progress the field of biomedical materials

We are keen in discovering novel biomedical materials and technologies that can improve human health and well-being. Our mission is to create safe and effective biomedical materials that meet the highest standards of biocompatibility, functionality, and sustainability.

Our lab specializes in the field of biomaterials engineering and has a range of advanced equipment and resources to support research in this area. Our technical expertise is extensive, with a team of experienced researchers and staff who have advanced degrees in materials science and engineering.

Scaffolds fabrication

Biomaterials engineering

Materials characterization

Cell culture work

Biological assays and characterization

Bioprocess scaling for cell culture

Biowaste valorization

Collaboration is a core value of our lab, and we actively seek out opportunities to work with researchers, institutions, and industry partners to advance our research goals.

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)

We are working with A*Star Bioprocessing Technology Institute for the development of scaffolds for cultivated meat application.

Singapore General Hospital (SGH)

We are collaborating with SGH to develop an innovative surgical suture device to treat patients suffering from haemorrhoids.

Technical University of Munich at the Singapore Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (TUMCREATE)

TUMCREATE and our group are working together to discover and characterize protein structures, with the goal of elucidating how structure relates to properties.

NTU logo
A*star logo
SGH logo
TUMCREATE logo

Our Research

Our material/scaffold technology advancements are centered around four major research topics, namely cultivated meat, tissue engineering, waste valorization, and polymer/composite research.

Cultivated meat culture

Our lab has developed an innovative single-step technique (merging scaffold fabrication and cell seeding) to create sustainable cultivated meat products without animal slaughter.

Tissue engineering experiment

We develop advanced biomaterials and scaffolds to engineer functional and viable living tissues. We also explore the use of stem cells to create personalized and regenerative therapies.

Waste valorization weighing

Our lab advances the circular economy through waste valorization, converting waste into valuable products. We reduce biowaste by creating sustainable value from waste streams.

Polymer chemistry

Publications & Inventions

At our lab, we are dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and making meaningful contributions to society. To this end, we have curated a list of our notable publications and inventions.

  • Seah, Jasmine Si Han, et al. "Scaffolds for the manufacture of cultured meat." Critical Reviews in Biotechnology 42.2 (2022): 311-323. doi:10.1080/07388551.2021.1931803
  • Lay Poh Tan, Pei Leng Tan and Huizhi Chen. “Core-shell Microspheres.” International Patent WO/2022/154754 (2022).
  • Lay Poh Tan, Feng Wen and Jasmine Si Han Seah. “Hydrogel Scaffolds and Uses Thereof.” International Patent WO/2022/225458 A1 (2022).
  • Panwar, Amit, and Lay Poh Tan. "Current status of bioinks for micro-extrusion-based 3D bioprinting." Molecules 21.6 (2016): 685. doi:10.3390/molecules21060685
  • Shirahama, Hitomi, et al. "Precise tuning of facile one-pot gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) synthesis." Scientific reports 6.1 (2016): 31036. doi:10.1038/srep31036
  • Tay, Chor Yong, et al. "Nanoparticles strengthen intracellular tension and retard cellular migration." Nano letters 14.1 (2014): 83-88. doi:10.1021/nl4032549
Full List on Google Scholar

Our Team

Our lab team is a passionate and supportive community of researchers with diverse expertise. We prioritize open communication, collaboration, learning, and inclusivity, collaborating to advance scientific knowledge and develop innovative solutions to make a positive impact on society.

Prof Tan Lay Poh profile

Prof. Tan Lay Poh

Principal Investigator
Dr Tan Pei Leng profile

Dr. Tan Pei Leng

Research Fellow, Cultivated Meat
Nicole profile

Dr. Nicole Cheam

Research Fellow, Aquaculture Food Waste
Jasmine profile

Jasmine Seah

Project Officer, Cultivated Meat
Andy profile

Andy Koh

Ph.D Student, Cultivated Meat
Alvin profile

Alvin Poh

Ph.D Student, Cultivated Meat
Qiqi profile

Sun Qiqi

Ph.D Student, Aquaculture Food Waste

Interested in our research? Join Us.

Our lab is seeking talented and enthusiastic researchers who are committed to making a difference in the world. As a member of our lab, you'll have the opportunity to work on exciting projects that push the boundaries of scientific knowledge. We value collaboration, creativity, and a commitment to excellence, and we offer a supportive and stimulating environment for your growth and development. If you're ready to take your research career to the next level, we invite you to apply to our lab today.

Contact
Recruitment

Get in touch

Email:

LPTan@ntu.edu.sg

Call:

(+65) 6790 6186

School of Materials Science and Engineering:

50 Nanyang Ave, #01-30 General Office, Block N4.1, Singapore 639798