Contact

  • Academic
    kpashin@stanford.edu
    University - Student Department: Symbolic Systems Program Position: Undergraduate
    University - Student Department: Art & Art History Position: Undergraduate
    University - Student Department: Stanford Arts Institute Position: Undergraduate
    University - Student Department: Public Policy Position: Graduate

Additional Info

  • Mail Code: 5060

All Publications

  • Tuning viscoelasticity of dynamic covalent hydrogels for human tissue modeling. bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology Narciso, N. d., Christakopoulos, F., Huang, M. S., Baugh, N. J., Huerta-Lopez, C., Matos, E. X., Pashin, K. P., Spakowitz, A., Heilshorn, S. C. 2025

    Abstract

    The development of three-dimensional (3D) in vitro tissue culture models is critical for biomedical research. Hydrogel-based systems have become a preferred scaffold for 3D models, as they have tunable viscoelastic properties, which are well-known to influence cell morphology and function. In particular, reversible hydrogel crosslinks formed through dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) can introduce viscoelastic behavior including stress relaxation. However, traditional strategies to increase stress-relaxation rates in DCC gels rely on faster bond kinetics, resulting in faster erosion rates that prevent their use for long-term 3D culture. As an alternative strategy, we explore the use of molecular parameters (specifically molecular weight and degree of functionalization) to independently control the stiffness and stress relaxation behavior while preventing rapid erosion. As demonstration, we develop and validate a modified theoretical model of gel viscoelasticity applied to a two-component DCC gel composed of modified hyaluronic acid and elastin-like protein. Finally, we utilize this tunable gel platform to explore the impact of scaffold viscoelasticity on encapsulated human neural progenitor cells. In summary, this work expands the molecular design space of DCC hydrogels to achieve tunable viscoelastic properties for 3D in vitro models.

    View details for DOI 10.1101/2025.10.16.682916

    View details for PubMedID 41280031

  • Treating neurodegenerative disease: Nusinersen and other therapeutic strategies for improved motor function BRAIN & DEVELOPMENT Pashin, K. P., Sekhar, T. C. 2023; 45 (6): 360-361

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.braindev.2023.03.003

    View details for Web of Science ID 000994252100001

    View details for PubMedID 37003866

  • Awareness of sex and gender dimensions among physicians: the European federation of internal medicine assessment of gender differences in Europe (EFIM-IMAGINE) survey: comment INTERNAL AND EMERGENCY MEDICINE Pashin, K., Sekhar, T., Bhima, M., Sekhar, S. 2022: 683-684

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s11739-022-03137-z

    View details for Web of Science ID 000882337900001

    View details for PubMedID 36371575

    View details for PubMedCentralID 7440877

  • Regarding the impact of maternal dyslipidemia on infant neurodevelopment BRAIN & DEVELOPMENT Sekhar, T. C., Sekhar, S. C., Bhima, M., Pashin, K. P. 2022; 44 (10): 769-770

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.braindev.2022.09.003

    View details for Web of Science ID 000883336800017

    View details for PubMedID 36175296