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Research


Our group works at the interface of biomaterials and electronic devices to develop next-generation medical implants.  Engineering these systems requires an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates aspects of polymer synthesis, microfabrication techniques, device design, and cell-biomaterials interactions.  These electronically active devices have a broad range of applications from neural recording to tissue stimulation for regenerative medicine.


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(1) Intelligent Biomaterial Networks

Polymers that respond to environmental stimuli serve as the cornerstone of smart materials for medical implants. We are using principles of polymer chemistry, macromolecular engineering, and materials science to design and characterize synthetic biomaterial networks. These materials have potential applications in dynamic implants and medical devices.
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(2) Biodegradable Electronic Devices

Medical implants that are simultaneously electronically active and biodegradable have significant potential to address many clinical issues. We are interested in the fundamentals of structure-processing-property relationships in electronically active natural and synthetic biomaterials. We are also working towards integrating these materials into devices for use in clinically relevant therapies.
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(3) Cell-Biomaterial Interactions

Cells are known to respond to a variety of physical cues at the interface. We are interested in studying fundamental aspects of cell-substrate interactions at biomaterials interfaces in the context of engineered nanotopography and electrical stimulation. Lessons learned from these studies will be incorporated into device design for neural interfaces and devices for therapeutic tissue stimulation.

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