RESEARCH INTERESTS

My research activities focus on the synthesis and modification of novel biopolymers for use in tissue engineering and cell culture. In summary my research can be categorised as follows:

• “Smart” polymer bioconjugates 
• Nano-fibrous electrospun scaffolds
• Interaction of stem cells on biopolymer substrates
• Surface modification of Ti implants
• Nano-fabrication of novel drug delivery systems
• UV-curable injectable hydrogels

Neural Tissue Engineering

Tissue engineering initiatives have been directed at developing scaffolds that assist in the repair of damaged neural pathways. This research presents significant challenges as the scaffold must meet the following criteria:

• Provide a suitable microenvironment for the neurons
• Present appropriate physical and chemical cues (and in the correct order!) to direct neurites over significant distances
• Both biodegradable and biocompatible.

Research has been directed at the interaction of neurons in 3-dimensional hydrogel systems as well as nano-fibrous electrospun assemblies. This has involved the immobilisation of proteins to promote directed neurite outgrowth as well as manipulation of spatial architectures of nano sized fibres (as shown below).

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