Current Research Focus
I design biomaterials inspired by natural building blocks and processes. My research focuses on developing new and modular polymerization methods for bio-derived molecules, such as α-lipoic acid and amino acids. Through interdisciplinary approaches that combine organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, materials science, and bioengineering, I aim to develop innovative solutions for tissue repair, wound healing, drug delivery, and environmentally friendly materials.
Designing innovative, nature-inspired biomaterials for surgery and wound care, using catalyst-free polymerization of bio-derived monomers under physiological conditions. Novel polymerization techniques are often developed to deliver the biomaterials precursors as liquids, powders, or thin films. My work spans tissue adhesives, sealants, and hemostats, including fetal membrane sealants to improve outcomes in fetal surgery, as well as shear-thinning injectable biomaterials to support minimally invasive procedures such as cryoablation.
Developing 1,4-dihydrophenanthrolin-4-one-3-carboxylic acid (DPCA) derivatives and their delivery systems to promote wound healing and tissue regeneration. DPCA inhibits prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) and upregulates hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α). By temporarily stabilizing HIF-1α, DPCA influences cell metabolism and plasticity, activating cellular processes essential for wound repair and epimorphic-like regeneration in mammalian tissues.
Developing sustainable materials that can take the form of either a liquid or solid adhesive, used for bonding two surfaces together in a permanent or temporary fashion. For example, the material can be used as a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), i.e., a thin film applied to a backing material to obtain sticky notes, scotch tape, food packaging, consumer product labels, etc. Alternatively, the materials can serve as a structural adhesive for bonding two similar or dissimilar materials together.
Past Research Experience
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PostDoc. in Stimuli-Responsive Materials (2020-2021)
Adolphe Merkle Institute, Switzerland
Main Topics: Recyclable metallosupramolecular polyethylene; Stimuli-responsive encapsulated organogels for smart material processing.
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Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry (2016-2020)
University of Fribourg, Switzerland
Dissertation title: Towards Sequence Controlled Polymer Synthesis
Main Topics: Chemoselective ultrafast aromatic carboxylic acid activation; Control polycondensation of monomeric and sequence-defined aromatic amino acids; Synthesis of biomimetic shape persistence aromatic tubular helices, and homo and block copolymers; Bioinspired telechelic and alternating poly(olefins) via ring-opening metathesis polymerizations (ROMP).
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Undergraduate and Master's Research in Organic Chemistry (2020-2021)
Visva-bharati University, India
Main Topics: Transition metal-catalysed C-H activation.
Future Research Interest
Advances in synthetic soft materials enable their application across different fields. Yet only a small subset of these materials meets the stringent performance and safety standards required for clinical use. Hence, it is my great interest to develop nature-inspired materials that can be tailored for medical and non-medical uses while minimizing environmental impact.
As an aspiring faculty member, I aim to establish a research program centered on developing protein-memetic biomaterials and biopolymers for healthcare and industrial applications.
Drawing on insights from nature and taking a bottom-up approach, my future research will provide generalizable strategies for designing responsive biopolymers and biomaterials, advancing fundamental understanding, and yielding sustainable materials for applications ranging from regenerative scaffolds to sustainable plastics.