Research

Our laboratory bridges the gap between fundamental macromolecular engineering and advanced clinical translation. Our research is strategically organized into four highly synergistic domains:

1. Bone Tissue Engineering & Smart Biomimetic Interfaces

Core Focus: Designing complex, multi-component synthetic and natural matrices engineered to guide cellular osteogenesis and foster direct bone bonding.

• Bioinspired Mineralization: We specialize in surface transforming polymeric configurations to trigger automated, biomimetic apatite crystallization upon interaction with physiological environments.
• Natural-Synthetic Hybrid Scaffolds: Designing advanced polyelectrolyte complexes that dramatically optimize cell adhesion dynamics, architectural porosity, and mechanical stability.
• Osteoinductive Green Therapeutics: Harnessing targeted traditional plant extracts, specifically analyzing the molecular in vitro biomineralization pathways of to embed potent biological cues directly into biodegradable scaffolds.

Translational Benchmarks

• A radiopaque brushite bone cement formulation and method of preparation thereof, 2026 (Indian Patent - 580324).
• Porous Biodegradable Scaffolds for Regenerative Bone Tissue Engineering, 2022 (Indian Patent - Filed - 202141026897).
• Acta Biomaterialia, 2009 (Bioinspired mineralization on functionalized PVA films).
• Journal of Biomedical Science, 2016 (Biomimetic approaches with smart interfaces).
• Journal of Biosciences, 2021 (Osteogenic regulation via Cissus quadrangularis).

2. Magnetic Nanomedicine & Controlled Theranostics

Core Focus: Developing dual functional, stimuli responsive nanocarrier architectures capable of simultaneous diagnostics, targeted chemotherapeutic delivery, and localized electromagnetic hyperthermia.

• Smart Ferrogels & Microspheres: Engineering crosslinked magnetic chitosan matrices engineered to execute degradation dependent or pH dependent kinetics for targeted drug release.
• Magnetically Triggered Hyperthermia: Synthesizing superparamagnetic systems capable of generating localized therapeutic heat under alternating magnetic fields (AMF) to systematically achieve target cancer cell apoptosis.

Translational Benchmarks

• In Situ Exfoliated Magnetic Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) With Enhanced Magnetic Hyperthermia Potential For Biomedical Applications, 2024 (Indian Patent - 538024).
• Biomaterials Advances, 2022 (Multifunctional chitosan ferrogels for cancer therapy).
• ACS Omega, 2021 (Degradation dependent delivery by magnetic porous microspheres).
• Materials Chemistry and Physics, 2021 (Dual functional superparamagnetic systems).

3. Intrinsically Radiopaque & Antimicrobial Formulations

Core Focus: Resolving post operative monitoring and infection complications by developing high-performance biomedical arrays that are inherently visible under X-ray imaging without the need for toxic external contrast agents.

• Imageable Biomaterials: Reviewing and developing the core physical principles governing X-ray visibility in advanced polymeric systems, ensuring clear post transplantation monitoring.
• Functionalized Antimicrobial Substrates: Transforming surface architectures into consolidated medical grade components like surgical sutures capable of localized, sustained antibiotic elution to decisively prevent nosocomial infections.

Translational Benchmarks

• A Radiopaque Surgical Suture And Method Of Preparation Thereof, 2026 (Indian Patent - 592787).
• Long-Lived Photoluminescent PMMA Silver Terephthalate Polymer Composite Films with Antibacterial Activity, 2022 (Indian Patent - 388970).
• Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 2021 (Review on intrinsically radiopaque biomaterial principles).
• Biomaterials Science, 2021 (Radiopaque, antimicrobial cellulose surgical sutures).
• Materials Science and Engineering: C, 2020 (Surface transformed scaffolds for dual tissue repair and antibiotic delivery).

4. Advanced Anion Conducting Membranes & Graphitic Electrocatalysts

Core Focus: Leveraging structural polymer processing methodologies to engineer high durable, highly organized solid state energy conversion networks.

• Geometrically Templated Substrates: Utilizing advanced electrospinning techniques to precisely build anisotropically organized Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) networks over PVDF substrates for superior ion-exchange pathways.
• Alkaline Fuel Cell Architectures: Developing exceptionally durable anion conducting membranes formulated with densely packed exchange sites and aromatic polymer backbones optimized for solid state operational longevity.
• Porously Doped Electrocatalysts: Synthesizing metal organic network derived porous graphitic carbons engineered explicitly to accelerate the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).

Translational Benchmarks

• Natural Rubber Latex Compound With Layered Double Hydroxide Nano Gel Non-Black Reinforcing Filler, 2023 (Indian Patent - 445471).
• Anion Conducting Membrane from LDH, 2017 (Japanese Patent - JP 6243312).
• ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2015 (Anisotropically organized LDH on PVDF).
• Polymer Chemistry, 2015 (Durable anion conducting membranes with aromatic backbones).
• ChemistrySelect, 2017 (Metal organic polymer network electrocatalysts).