The group has two major thrusts; namely materials and process development for
(1) Biodegradable plastics
(2) Biomedical applications
(2.1) Protein Patterning
(2.1) Wound Dressing Material
Biodegradable Plastics
In environment friendly bioplastics thrust we are developing biodegradable materials for packaging applications. While bioplastics are biodegradable, ecologically responsive and sustainable, their applicability is restricted mainly due to low strength and large capacity for water absorption. In addition, they offer only moderate control over water vapour transmission rate and air permeability. Moreover, many biodegradable packaging materials suffer supply demand challenges, depend heavily upon forest reserves and some even use food-stock for their production. In my group we are addressing the above drawbacks by using one natural (agar) and one synthetic (polyvinyl alcohol) biodegradable polymer for packaging application.In the second thrust, we are developing materials and processes for biomedical applications. Specifically, we are developing methods to micro-scale pattern proteins and fabricate dressing materials for diabetic wounds.
Protein Patterning
Patterning of proteins can be used to study fundamental properties of cells. For example, patterning motor proteins and microtubules will help understand their role in cell division, will help unravel cellular processes and even allow us to manipulate them for therapeutic applications. Novelty of this work is applying bottom-up technology while cell biologist study similar aspects using top-down approach. In addition, we have also developed a versatile method to pattern biotinylated proteins and even antibodies (patent filed) using photolithography. Using photolithography and self-assembly sensing/diagnostics application. The next step is to attach cells onto these proteins. We are furthering the patterning work with a group in BSBE department at IITK on detection of cancer cells.Wound Dressing Material
We have also developed a surgical dressing material that does not stick to the cells (patent filed) and hence will be easier to remove it after usage with minimal pain to the patient.We have demonstrated agarose based patches as a promising candidate for wound dressing applications. Those patches were strong, flexible and the drugs (antibiotics and antiseptics) were loaded easily into the biopolymer (agarose) matrix. The drug not only retained their potency but also was released within an hour of application, which is required from vehicles for wound healing.
We use physico-chemical methods to control swelling characteristics and permeability of agarose-based patches while maintaining the biocompatibility of the material. Addition of cellulose and hydroxyapatite (known biomaterials) as filler will be the physical method and cross-linking of agarose by diacids and triacids will be the chemical route to control swelling and permeability of agarose. Synergistic approaches of using crosslinking and reinforcement together will also be applied. Insights received from this undertaking shall also be useful in similar attempts involving other materials to be used for wound dressing applications.