Research
Featured Research Areas
Smart micro and nanomaterials can serve as tools for guiding cell behavior. The Soft Biomedical Interfaces Lab seeks to engineer soft and hybrid biomaterials with tailored physicochemical properties and investigate cell-material interactions. We aim to shed light on major cell/tissue biology issues and translate knowledge into novel neural engineering and regenerative medicine approaches and therapies.
Biomaterials for Neurostimulation and Neuroengineering
Our understanding of neurons and nervous tissue is scarce. Moreover, the nervous system presents a limited capacity for spontaneous regeneration and functional recovery after injury due to trauma or disease. We are developing different kinds of micro and nanomaterials to stimulate neurons, shed light on cell-ECM interactions, and further use these materials for nerve tissue regeneration.
Drug Delivery Vehicles and Blood-Brain Barrier
The design and synthesis of new drug delivery systems can help maximize therapeutic efficiency by transporting the drug to a specific location and releasing it passively or upon a certain stimulus. This can minimize drug toxicity and off-target side effects while improving the control over drug clearance and increasing the accumulation of the drug at the target site. We are particularly interested in developing vehicles to cross and treat the Blood-Brain Barrier.
Cell-ECM Interactions: Improving Pathophysiology Models
The extracellular matrix is a key mediator in most intracellular events, and alterations in its mechanical, structural, and biochemical properties play a crucial role in the mechanism of most mammalian diseases. Biomaterial platforms presenting dynamic, physiologically relevant biochemical, mechanical, and structural cues can be used to model cellular microenvironments to study nervous tissue mechanisms and identify new therapeutic approaches.
Team
Our Team
Our research spans across multiple areas. To achieve our goals, we need a highly diverse and interdisciplinary team.
We aim to generate an inclusive work environment where everybody can strive.
We seek curious and highly motivated candidates with backgrounds in biomedical engineering, biology, chemical engineering, chemistry, medicine, or biochemistry to join our team.
If you are interested in our research, please contact me.
Our Latest Updates
Our Collaborators (more information to come)
