About

Patrick Campbell is the College Marketing Coordinator for Undergraduate Education at Penn State. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Sciences from Penn State and a Master of Science in Communication Studies from Shippensburg University. In his role, he collaborates across disciplines and departments to enhance the college's communication and marketing efforts, focusing on elevating the college's offerings and supporting student success. His work involves conceptualizing strategies, refining messaging, and leveraging various mediums to engage and inform audiences, with a commitment to continuous evaluation and improvement. Beyond his marketing responsibilities, Patrick Campbell has been actively involved in university service, including being elected to the University Staff Advisory Council (USAC) and serving on committees such as the Office of Ethics and Compliance’s Center for Excellence and the University Equity Leadership Council (UELC). He has also supported community organizations like the Centre County Penn State Alumni Association, American Red Cross, State College Young Professionals, Advocate Penn State, and the Levi Lamb Fund. His contributions reflect a dedication to fostering a positive campus culture and promoting service to others.

Research topics

• Biology
• Biophysics
• Microbiology
• Chemistry
• Materials science
• Biochemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Organic chemistry
• Immunology

Selected publications

• Abstract Th0006: Clickable Extracellular Vesicles for Localized Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

  JVS Vascular Science · 2026-01-01

  articleOpen access
  PublisherDOI

• Amine-Reactive Augmentation of Silk Fibroin Mats for Increasing Cargo Retention Capabilities

  Journal of Functional Biomaterials · 2026-03-31

  articleOpen access

  Silk fibroin (SF) is an ideal biomaterial for next-generation clinical wound dressings due to its biocompatibility and tunable mechanical properties. Cell therapies for wound healing have explored using SF as the base for delivering beneficial cargo; however, retention is poor due to exudate "wash out." To address concerns with the premature release of cargo from SF-fabricated wound dressings, we utilized amine-reactive chemistry to conjugate SF mats with azido-reactive dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) that can then attach complementary azido-tagged cargo through chemoselective immobilization. SF mats were made using electrospinning of a 1:1 SF/PCL solution and were then conjugated with N-Hydroxysuccinimide-dibenzocyclooctyne ester (DBCO). PBS soaking was used for control SF mats. SF mats were then imaged and characterized using the following metrics: pore size, fiber alignment, fiber distribution, fiber diameter, ultimate tensile strength, tangent modulus, proteolytic degradation, absorption, and retention. Successful DBCO conjugation of SF mats was confirmed through the presence of the Az-Cy5 dye while exhibiting no significant changes to the DBCO SF mats in any of the tested metrics compared to controls. Our results provide evidence that the amine chemistry responsible for the DBCO conjugation does not alter important SF mat properties. This confirms that DBCO augmentation paired with Az-Cy5 tags may be a viable approach for immobilizing different therapeutic cargoes to aid wound healing efforts.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Glycosylation-enabled Site-specific Growth Factor Engineering for Biomaterial Functionalization

  bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) · 2025-05-12

  preprintOpen access

  Abstract In native tissue environments, growth factors (GFs) are often physically associated with the extracellular matrix (ECM) framework. Despite the enormous potential of the chemoselective click chemistry for GF functionalization of biomaterials to recapitulate such GF-ECM association, its application is limited by the lack of a universal strategy for reliable production of clickable GFs. Here we present a novel platform technology that leverages intrinsic post-translational protein glycosylation to enable site-specific metabolic engineering of GFs with azido tags for subsequent ECM hydrogel conjugation. Using Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor as a model, we demonstrated efficient, glycosylation-dependent azido incorporation during its recombinant expression with preserved bioactivity. We further expanded the utility of this strategy to non-glycosylated proteins through engineered N-linked glycosylation via the incorporation of a signal peptide that directs newly synthesized proteins to the secretory pathway where glycosylation takes place along with a sequon for glycan attachment. The resulting GF with site-specific azido incorporation can be effectively immobilized within dibenzocyclooctyne-bearing ECM hydrogel via the copper-free click chemistry, exhibiting sustained GF retention and delivering augmented angiogenic responses. Our approach thereby offers an unprecedented opportunity to streamline recombinant protein engineering for biomaterial functionalization in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Glycosylation-enabled chemoselective growth factor engineering for biomaterial functionalization

  Acta Biomaterialia · 2025-10-01 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  In native tissue environments, growth factors (GFs) are often physically associated with the extracellular matrix (ECM) framework. Despite the enormous potential of chemoselective click chemistry for biomaterial functionalization to recapitulate such GF-ECM association, its application remains limited by constraints in the reliable production of clickable GFs. Here we present a platform technology that leverages intrinsic post-translational protein glycosylation to enable chemoselective engineering of GFs to incorporate click-reactive azido tags for subsequent ECM conjugation. Using Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor as a model, we demonstrated efficient, glycosylation-dependent azido incorporation during its recombinant expression with preserved bioactivity. We further expanded the utility of this strategy to non-glycosylated proteins through engineered N-linked glycosylation via the incorporation of a signal peptide, to direct newly synthesized proteins to the secretory pathway where glycosylation takes place, along with sequons for glycan attachment. The resulting GF with chemoselective azido incorporation can be effectively immobilized within dibenzocyclooctyne-bearing ECM hydrogel via copper-free click chemistry, exhibiting sustained GF retention and delivering augmented angiogenic responses. Our approach thereby offers an opportunity to streamline recombinant protein engineering for biomaterial functionalization in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This manuscript describes a novel approach that uses natural sugar modification (glycosylation) of proteins to precisely modify growth factors (GFs) in a site-specific manner. By adding special chemical tags (azido tags) to these proteins, our approach streamlines the use of click chemistry for boosting biomaterial performance. Typically, each GF requires extensive individual optimization; however, our universal method simplifies the process, improving GF retention and functionality within biomaterials. Additionally, the technique can be applied to proteins that don't naturally have these sugar modifications by introducing engineered glycosylation. Overall, this technology offers an easy-to-use platform for researchers in tissue engineering, enhancing their ability to precisely place and deliver therapeutic proteins within biomaterial scaffolds, ultimately benefiting the broader field of regenerative medicine.

  PublisherDOI

• Abstract Th0006: Clickable Extracellular Vesicles for Localized Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

  Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology · 2025-04-01

  article

  Introduction: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) features a degradative environment and loss of vascular elastin, which we believe could be treated with an engineered regenerative therapy. Our group and others have investigated using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) for regeneration, but a key barrier to successful implementation is delivery. To address this problem, we have developed an EV delivery system that utilizes click chemistry to improve EV retention within a hydrogel. Hypothesis: Click-bound EVs will have better retention within hydrogels compared to non-clicked EVs. Methods: MSCs were cultured with or without Ac4ManNAz to metabolize an azido tag onto the EVs. After isolation the EVs were labeled with NHs-Cy5 and excess dye was removed by dialysis. DBCO-conjugated fibrinogen and collagen were mixed to form a “hybridgel” with different release characteristics depending on the concentration of each protein. The final concentration of the gel was 7.5 mg/mL with the DBCO collagen gel being a 2:1 mixture with WT collagen and the hybridgel being a 50:50 mixture of collagen and fibrinogen. EVs were characterized by Western blot and nanoparticle tracking analysis. EVs were co-cultured with SMCs in fibrin gels for 6h to assess EV uptake. Results and Conclusions: DBCO-conjugated collagen and fibrinogen had better EV retention than their wild type counterparts. Collagen had better retention compared to fibrinogen, and the hybridgel had a retention profile between the two. Co-culture of EVs with fibrin gels demonstrated uptake into SMCs compared to dye controls. Conclusions/Interpretations: A hybridgel of collagen and fibrinogen can be used to tailor retention. EVs can be taken up by SMCs in 3D fibrin constructs.

  PublisherDOI

• Engineering 3D Skeletal Muscle Tissue with Complex Multipennate Myofiber Architectures

  bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) · 2025-01-08 · 3 citations

  preprintOpen access

  Abstract The hierarchical architecture of skeletal muscle spans from microscale sarcomeres to macroscale myofibers and is integral to its contractile functionality. Pathologies such as volumetric muscle loss (VML) compromise this structure and destroy the native extracellular matrix (ECM), exceeding the regenerative capacity of endogenous repair mechanisms. Here, we present a novel method for tissue engineering biomimetic three-dimensional (3D) skeletal muscle with complex architectures by leveraging freeform reversible embedding of suspended hydrogels (FRESH) 3D bioprinting of the ECM. Collagen type I scaffolds mimicking diverse muscle architectures— including parallel, unipennate, bipennate, multipennate, and convergent—were designed, FRESH printed, and seeded with C2C12 myoblasts to guide myogenesis. Engineered muscle tissues demonstrated scaffold-mediated alignment and fusion into functional myotubes, exhibiting contractile responses to electrical stimulation with architecture-dependent specific force of ∼1 kN/m 2 and a positive force-frequency relationship. In vivo implantation further revealed scaffold-directed cellular and vascular organization, underscoring the translational potential of this approach. In summary, this study demonstrates the capability to use FRESH 3D bioprinting to engineer physiologically relevant muscle architectures, significantly advancing the design of functional muscle tissues for regenerative medicine and in vitro modeling applications.

  PublisherDOI

• Pneumococcal extracellular vesicles mediate horizontal gene transfer via the transformation machinery

  mSphere · 2024-11-06 · 9 citations

  articleOpen access

  ABSTRACT Bacterial cells secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs), the function of which is a matter of intense investigation. Here, we show that the EVs secreted by the human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) are associated with bacterial DNA on their surface and can deliver this DNA to the transformation machinery of competent cells. These findings suggest that EVs contribute to gene transfer in Gram-positive bacteria and, in doing so, may promote the spread of drug resistance genes in the population. IMPORTANCE This work extends our understanding of horizontal gene transfer and the roles of extracellular vesicles in pneumococcus. This bacterium serves as the model for transformation, a process by which bacteria can take up naked DNA from the environment. Here, we show that extracellular vesicles secreted by the pneumococcus have DNA on their surface and that this DNA can be imported by the transformation machinery, facilitating gene transfer. Understanding EV-mediated gene transfer may provide new avenues to manage the spread of antibiotic drug resistance.

  PublisherDOI

• Protection induced by Streptococcus pneumoniae extracellular vesicles against nasal colonization and invasive infection in mice and the role of PspA

  Vaccine · 2024-12-01 · 3 citations

  articleOpen access

  Diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) produce a great impact on public health, killing about one million people annually despite available vaccines. Recent research has revealed that the pneumococcus produces extracellular vesicles (pEVs), which display selective cargo and hold potential for vaccine development. Here, we evaluated the immunogenicity and protective potential of pEVs derived from a non-encapsulated pneumococcal strain (R6) using murine models of pneumococcal colonization and invasive pneumonia. Characterization of the immune response revealed that while pEVs contain multiple virulence determinants, immunization with these nanoparticles only induces antibodies against a subset of them. Specifically, subcutaneous immunization elicits a high antibody response against PspA, a modest response against PrsA, and limited response against Ply, MalX and PsaA. The antibody response was further supported by agglutination studies, showing that sera from pEV immunized mice agglutinate pneumococci and that PspA contributes to this response in a strain-dependent manner. Subcutaneous immunization with pEVs provides protection in the invasive pneumonia model whereas nasal immunization results in one log reduction in pneumococcal colonization of the upper respiratory tract. Finally, PspA is a strong contributor to protection in the invasive model and provides a degree of protection even across heterologous families of PspA. We conclude that pEVs demonstrate potential for vaccine development, protecting across capsular types and providing some degree of protection across heterologous PspA variants.

  PublisherDOI

• 59. An Animal Study Investigating Long-term Retention Of New Costal Cartilage Allograft

  Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open · 2024-04-01

  articleOpen access

  Purpose: Although costal cartilage allograft (CCA) has been available for several decades, there has been a resurgence in its use for rhinoplasty and other facial surgery indications. Newer CCA products claim improved stability and retention over time stemming from less aggressive tissue processing strategies. However, there is little data investigating in-vivo behavior of these new forms of CCA. This study aims to assess the structural retention of new CCA using a hairless but immunocompetent mouse model. Methods: Clinical-grade CCA (MTF Profile) was used to create oval cartilage discs through transverse section of costal implants. The discs were subcutaneously implanted in the dorsum of 9 SKH-1 hairless mice. Cartilage disc size and volume were evaluated at 2, 6, and 12 weeks post-operatively using clinical assessment, digital caliper measurements, and CT scan volumetric assessment. Measures were compared over time between time-points. Results: There were no significant changes in cartilage disc height (chi-squared = 3.26, p=0.20), width (chi-squared =2.89, p=0.24), or length (chi-squared=1.65, p=0.45) across timepoints. The size consistency comparing first versus last measurements did not change when stratifying CCA by gamma-radiation treated vs. not treated. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) across days was found to be 0.93 (95% CI: 0.78, 0.98), indicating substantial consistency of the caliper measurements. Similarly, CT scan measurements in all three dimensions did not change significantly over the 12-week period. The clinical appearance of the implanted disc was equivalent at weeks 2 and 12. Conclusion: This preliminary animal study shows that the new form of clinically available CCA (MTF Profile) retains its shape and volume at 12 weeks in a hairless mouse model. Later time-points and histological analyses are underway to further elucidate new CCA in-vivo behavior. Results from this study will continue to offer insights into the long-term retention and cellular reactivity of these costal allografts, informing future clinical decisions and the potential for expanded indications in plastic surgery.

  PublisherDOI

• Supplementary Table 1 from The CARMA3–Bcl10–MALT1 Signalosome Drives NFκB Activation and Promotes Aggressiveness in Angiotensin II Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer

  2023-03-31

  supplementary-materialsOpen access

  <p>Custom NanoString codeset for evaluating 72 NFkB regulated genes.</p>

  PublisherDOI

Recent grants

• NIH Grant R01EB007369

  NIH · $1.3M · 2011

• NIH Grant R56EB004343

  NIH · $500k · 2010

• Engineering Differentiation of Multi-tissue Units

  NIH · $3.4M · 2005–2014

• NIH Grant R29CA054363

  NIH · $391k · 1995

Frequent coauthors

• Lee E. Weiss

  Carnegie Mellon University

  70 shared

• Saigopalakrishna S. Yerneni

  Carnegie Mellon University

  53 shared

• Mark P. Mooney

  Johns Hopkins University

  28 shared

• Steffi Oesterreich

  26 shared

• Adrian V. Lee

  UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

  26 shared

• Nolan Priedigkeit

  Broad Institute

  26 shared

• James Cray

  The Ohio State University

  24 shared

• Joseph E. Losee

  University of Pittsburgh

  24 shared