Biomaterials Research
The central theme of our work is biomaterials—synthesizing new ones, reimagining existing ones, and applying them in biomedical and therapeutic contexts. Our current building blocks include hyaluronan, silk fibroin, gelatin, and glucaric acid. With applications ranging from artificial skin and wound healing devices to sensors, drug delivery, and diagnostics, we explore how biomaterials can be engineered to improve human health.

Reversible 3D Cell Culture Systems
We are developing thixotropic, reversible 3D culture systems that closely mimic the extracellular matrix while allowing easy recovery of entrapped cells. This platform supports genotypically stable tumor organoids for drug screening, in collaboration with Dr. Aleksander Skardal (Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine).

Antibacterial Otic Therapeutics
To address challenges in treating outer ear infections, we are creating single-application, slow-release antibiotic formulations. Our thixotropic delivery systems show promising in vitro results in terms of stability, cytocompatibility, and antibacterial efficacy for both human and veterinary use.

Silk-Based Tissue Sealant
We are investigating silk fibroin adhesives to prevent seroma formation after surgery. By bridging tissue planes and reducing fluid accumulation, silk-based sealants may lower infection risk and accelerate regeneration.

Silk-Fibroin Wound Healing Devices
We design silk fibroin–hyaluronan devices that are adhesive, moisture-retentive, and cytocompatible. Early data suggest these constructs could serve as regenerative, acellular wound healing devices without added chemicals.

CMV-Induced Hearing Loss Therapeutics
In collaboration with Dr. Albert Park (University of Utah), we are developing hyaluronan-derived antioxidants as otoprotective agents to prevent or reverse sensorineural hearing loss caused by congenital cytomegalovirus infection.

Sustainable Glucaric Acid Hydrogels
Partnering with Rivertop Renewables, we explore glucaric acid–based hydrogels for controlled drug release. These renewable materials offer promising nanoparticulate architectures for sustainable therapeutic delivery.

Advanced Materials Characterization I (MTSI 551)

Medical Devices (BMED 595/PHAR 491)