My research interest is in nanostructured biomaterials for bone tissue repair and regeneration. The goal of the project is to develop bioactive polymeric scaffolds from biodegradable polymers that mimic the functionality of native extracellular matrix (ECM). Scaffolds serve as temporary matrices that accommodate cells and support tissue regeneration. Scaffolds based on FDA approved biodegradable polymers and modified carbon nanofibers are fabricated using electrospinning to achieve improved mechanical properties, uncompromised cell growth and facilitate repair of damaged tissue. A nanoscaled hydroxyapatite (HA) coating is electrophoretically deposited onto the composite nanofibers to further promote bioactivity and osteoconductivity. The response of human mesenchymal stem cells to the scaffolds and the release characteristics of bone morphogenic proteins adsorbed onto the HA surface is currently under investigation. My secondary research interest is developing nanobiomaterials for drug delivery. This study is aimed at understanding the mechanism involved in the adsorption and release of therapeutics in a controlled manner from nanofiber polymer scaffolds. Scaffolds are fabricated by electrospinning polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) encapsulated with varying concentrations of detonated nanodiamonds (DND). The surface energy of the DND’s makes it relatively straightforward to adsorb or covalently attach therapeutic molecules. We have shown in our laboratory that drugs encapsulated into the nanofibers alone exhibit a burst release. Furthermore, the toxicity of the DND’s to several different cell lines has shown little compromise in the cell’s viability at low DND concentrations. It is anticipated that the DND’s will help us achieve a more sustained release. Thus, this research focuses on the potential use of DND to deliver therapeutics and the compatibility concerns with using carbon based nanomaterials (i.e., cytotoxicity)
