The overall focus of the research in the CRLab is the fundamental understanding and development of materials for biomedical applications with a specific emphasis on the delivery of therapeutics. The research projects are centered on the interface of biomaterials and therapeutics at the Nano-micro or macro-scale to prevent, manage or treat diseases using drugs or drug-like compounds. Here we work on utilizing polymers to deliver drugs, particularly various small molecules, genetically engineered proteins, DNA and RNAi, continuously at controlled rates for prolonged periods of time. Work currently in progress includes: a) studying the mechanism of release from delivery systems; b) applications of these systems including the development of effective long-term delivery systems for insulin, anti-cancer drugs, growth factors, gene therapy agents and vaccines; c) nanotechnology d) delivery through different routes in the body including the skin, lung, vagina, eye, and brain and e) synthesizing new biodegradable polymeric delivery systems which will ultimately be absorbed by the body.

Our group is highly interdisciplinary as our research is positioned at the intersection of polymer chemistry, materials science, engineering, nano technology, biology, and medicine, and we work with a variety of collaborators to translate our biomaterials towards clinical use. We passionately strive to make a real difference every day to improve lives of others.