The MBM Lab utilizes fundamental advances in polymer chemistry to provide biomaterials that could improve healing outcomes.
Our research spans polymer synthesis, 3D scaffold fabrication, materials characterization, cell/material interactions, bacteria/material interactions, and in vivo characterization of biomaterials.
Our research focuses on shape memory polymers (SMPs).
These ‘smart’ materials can be deformed and stored in a temporary shape. Upon application of a stimulus (e.g. heating to body temperature, exposure to water), the materials rapidly return to their original shape.
Specific applications of SMPs in the MBM Lab include:
SMP Foams for Hemorrhage Control
- ~1.5 million deaths each year
- 30-50% of deaths occur prior to reaching the hospital.
Urgent clinical need for effective hemostatic dressings.
Current Research Areas
Applied: Development of in vitro and in vivo models for hemorrhage to characterize SMP foam delivery and efficacy
Chemical: Modification of SMP foams with new functional groups to enhance clinical outcomes, such as degradation rate and hemostatic efficacy
Biological: Incorporation of antimicrobial and antioxidant groups into SMP foams to reduce infection risks and improve healing outcomes; Characterization of blood/material interactions
SMP Hydrogels for Crohn’s Fistula Closure
- 35% of Crohn’s patients develop fistulas between digestive, urinary, and/or reproductive systems
- 20-40% of fistula patients ultimately require bowel restriction surgery
Clinical need for improved, non-surgical fistula closure options.
Current Research Areas
Chemical: Synthesis of starch-based SMP hydrogels that degrade in response to enzymes released by colon epithelial cells.
Scaffold Fabrication: Porogen-templated hydrogel foams with tunable pore sizes.
Biological: Incorporation of antimicrobial and antioxidant groups into SMP hydrogel backbone to reduce infection risks and improve healing outcomes. Characterization of cell interactions with SMP hydrogels.
Bacteria-Responsive SMP Bandages for Wound Infections
- ~50% of diabetic ulcer patients with a limb threatening infection do not show systemic infection symptoms
- Infection is responsible for over half of burn injury deaths
Urgent clinical need for improved wound infection prevention, surveillance, and treatment
Current Research Areas
Chemical: Synthesis of SMPs that change shape in the presence of bacteria
Scaffold Fabrication: Electrospinning SMP fibers to control shape change
Biological: Characterization of cell and bacterial interactions