Research & Initiatives

BioFab focuses on creating biomimetic scaffolds using hybrid technologies which integrate bioprinting and electrospinning. My research group has made breakthroughs in creating 3D nanofiber architectures based on a divergence electrospinning system that enables the rapid fabrication of centimeter-sized nanofiber scaffolds with different geometries. We also integrated electrospinning with 3D bioprinting to create meniscus tissue scaffolds and tendon-to-bone interfaces using a random-to-aligned co-cultured tissue scaffold. Recently, we developed a capillary-incorporated bioprinting system to fabricate multi-scale scaffolds integrated with biomimetic porous microtubes that function as capillary vessels. The diameter of the microtubes matched that of natural capillaries, which range from 5 to 10 μm.

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MedFab focuses on multifunctional orthopedic implants. We developed a novel electro-activated silver-incorporated implant system to prevent infections from multi-drug-resistant organisms and characterized the efficacy of 3D printed titanium-silver implants. The alloys showed significant anti-biofilm activities against both gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens. We also used the maskless photolithography to develop a microfluidic devices comprised of ZnO nanowires and topological patterns for the collection of urine extracellular vesicles and in situ extraction of microRNAs. The devices can be used for diagnosing kidney diseases. 

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AntimFab focuses on the development of polymeric composites incorporated with nanomaterials for antimicrobial applications. We invented an anti-biofilm membrane technology for water treatment that integrates silver nanoparticles (AgNP) and low-intensity electric current. The integration of AgNP and electrofiltration extends the duration of biofouling resistance and minimizes silver leaching. We also invented an antimicrobial polymer based composite film that was embedded with AgNPs and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires with a radiating acicular structure. The composite film reduced the colonization of Staphylococcus aureus, the most common pathogens found in device-associated infections, by nearly two orders of magnitude in 24 hours.

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