Research

Designing multifunctional biomaterials and biomimetic constructs for biomedical applications

This aspect of our research is focused on developing multifunctional biomaterials and biomimetic scaffolds for tissue engineering and other biomedical-related applications. Different synthetic and natural polymers are explored and their surface, physical, mechanical, and biofunctional properties are tuned using different modification and fabrication methods. Depending on the application, we aim to design the next generation of biomaterials that will promote targeted binding of cells/biomolecules and enhance tissue integration and prevent non-specific interactions.

Super repellent biomaterials and surface coatings

Non-specific adhesion is and ongoing problem with biological fluid (e.g. blood, plasma, sweat, urine) contacting interfaces. This complication leads to undesirable physiological responses such as clot formation, infection and inflammation. Several factors such as the chemical, physical and mechanical properties of the material and the stability of the surface coating and synthetic system as a whole need to be closely investigated and optimized during the design, fabrication and testing process in order to minimize the biointerface associated complications. In this research focus we aim to create highly repellent surface coatings and biomaterials that effectively tackle the complications and limitations associated with synthetic biointerfaces.

Hemostatic biomaterials and wound sealants

Hemostatic biomaterials show great promise in wound control for the treatment of uncontrolled bleeding associated with damaged tissues, traumatic wounds, and surgical incisions. A surge of interest has been directed at boosting hemostatic properties of bioactive materials via mechanisms triggering the coagulation cascade. In this research focus, we aim to design novel biocompatible biomaterials using synthetic and natural polymers that would promote rapid blood coagulation and hemostasis.

Biointerfaces on-a-chip

In this research focus we aim to test and study our designed multifunctional biomaterials/interfaces and different surface coatings under biological conditions and evaluate their stability and performance. We will create biointerface on-a-chip models using micro/nano fabrication technologies and study the thrombogenicity, biofunctionality and antimicrobial properties of our developed platforms. In addition, we will use the designed platforms to study and acquire in-depth understanding about the cascade of physiological responses and interactions occurring at the interface of the biomaterial and biological systems.