(4ov) Engineering Nanomaterials for Diagnostic Imaging, Smart Drug Delivery, and 3D Bioprinting

Nanomaterials have facilitated advancements in biomedical applications ranging from diagnostic imaging to targeted drug delivery, and 3D-bioprinting for tissue engineering. This poster introduces three innovative platforms powered by nanomaterials: nanosensors for target analyte detection, coacervates for enzyme-responsive drug delivery, and 3D-bioprinted human skin. First, a strategy called corona phase molecular recognition utilizes single-walled carbon nanotubes and amphiphilic copolymers for the powerful detecting strategy. Second, nano-sized coacervates were self-assembled using heparin glycosaminoglycan and mussel-inspired peptides. These coacervates involved a thrombin-recognition site within their peptide building block, resulting in the controlled drug release upon proteolysis. Lastly, human skin was 3D-bioprinted using denatured collagen and synthetic melanin. Synthetic melanin nanoparticles were engineered to match their absorption and scattering coefficients of real melanosomes, producing similar optical properties to real-human skin. The impact of human skin tone on multiple biomedical optics was evaluated, producing quantitative data to reduce racial-based bias in biomedical optical imaging. Overall, nanomaterials hold significant potential to enhance current diagnostic and therapeutic platforms, ultimately advancing systems for global human health.

Research Interests

My research aims to design and engineer bio- and nanomaterials for biomedical chemical imaging in cancer diagnosis, smart drug delivery, and 3D bioprinting to mimic human tissue. Leveraging my strong background in material science, I specialize in developing amphiphilic copolymers for carbon nanotubes, inorganic and organic nanoparticles, soft hydrogels, and peptides. My expertise in bioimaging, 3D bioprinting, cellular studies, and animal experimentation allows me to translate my material science principles into more clinical and practical applications. Lastly, my postdoctoral training has further broadened my knowledge in device instrumentation, computational analysis, and modelling. Ultimately, my goal is to develop novel nanomaterials boosted by computational methods and integrate them into medical devices for early cancer diagnosis and theragnostic applications across various diseases, aiming to improve global human health.

Teaching Interests

I would be excited to teach a range of material science courses, especially for nanoengineering, fundamentals of material science, biomimetic materials, biomaterials, and bio-photonics. While much of my background in material science will translate to the Department’s needs, I will obviously be exposed to new materials and analytical methods. I am a quick learner and am confident that I will be able to teach any course required of me with slight mentoring from senior members of the Department. Like others, I find that teaching is the best way to cement new concepts and teaching new courses will also help me be a better grant writer and researcher as I more deeply appreciate the fundamental science behind nanoscience. I will also remain committed to supporting seminar and survey courses.