Developing chemically rich monomer architectures and placing them into discrete locations within macromolecular systems.
“My overall objective and agenda is not only building a research plan that impacts future technologies, but also training my students in the multidisciplinary field of polymer science where students in my lab have the privilege to come across a variety of novel monomer syntheses, technical know-how of living/controlled polymerization, and advanced material characterization. Training students across these areas, in my view, ultimately results into a new breed of robust research scholars with a broad background necessary for any career they pursue.
The broad, long-term objective of our group is to develop polymers that have great potential application in the field of drug delivery and sensors. Being able to build chemically rich monomers and placing them into discrete locations within polymeric architectures will yield novel functional materials. It will lead to a new paradigm in materials synthesis where block copolymers are much more than a simple carrier of drug molecules. One of the major advantages of our ongoing work in designing prodrugs is that one block is linked to the nanoparticle so the drug-carrier’s path can be influenced by external stimuli like magnetic force facilitating targeted delivery.”
Exploiting living and controlled polymerization methodologies, notably Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP) and ATRP/RAFT. We synthesize functional norbornene-based block and random copolymers with tailored sequence control, narrow dispersity, and distinct macromolecular topologies.
Designing multifunctional polymeric prodrug nanocarriers conjugated with platinum, doxorubicin, camptothecin, or ruthenium complexes. Our systems feature dual-imaging modalities (T1-weighted MRI + fluorescence), receptor-mediated endocytosis, and mitochondria-targeted drug release.
Directing amphiphilic copolymers into hierarchical nanostructures including reversible twisted rods, cylindrical micelles, spherical vesicles, and hyperbranched assemblies. These nanoscale superstructures serve as gasotransmitter (H₂S) regulators and bio-imaging conduits.
Creating portable, "in-field" visual and fluorometric chemosensors for toxic chemical warfare nerve agents, heavy metals (As(III), Hg²⁺/CH₃Hg⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺), and toxic anions (fluoride, hydrazine). Our patented polymers trap pollutants directly from contaminated groundwater.
Synthesizing photo-crosslinked and physically cross-linked hydrogels and organogels from norbornene and poly(allyl glycidyl ether) architectures. These tunable 3D matrices serve as controlled drug reservoirs and high-capacity sponges for capturing industrial textile dyes.
Developing aliphatic polyesters, poly(ε-caprolactone) derivatives, and biocompatible polysaccharide conjugates that naturally degrade without generating cytotoxic remnants, providing sustainable alternatives for medical and environmental remediation applications.