Research

Studies in the Desai laboratory focus on the design, fabrication, and use of advanced micro/nano biosystems for the following:

1. Cellular integration and tissue engineering
2. Biomimetic architectures for functional biomaterials
3. Therapeutic drug targeting and delivery

For example, studies are being conducted to investigate the role of structural mechanics in regulating biochemical pathways, biological adhesion phenomena, cytoskeletal deformation and active cellular motility. Motivating these fundamental studies is the development of novel materials that mimic the interfacial and structural properties of natural biomaterials. The Desai lab is designing templates to achieve cardiomyocyte attachment and orientation in dynamic environments and have applied microfluidic biopolymer patterning to design multicellular and multilayered vascular analogues. The potential of using such techniques to recreate hierarchical tissue architecture makes this an exciting tool for cellular and tissue engineering. The lab is also interested in novel approaches to deliver drugs to specific cells via targeting. Examples include lectin-conjugated microdevices for oral delivery and neurotransmitter-conjugated nanoparticles for neuronal targeting.

• Bioadhesion to Mucosal Tissue
• Cancer Theranostics
• Pancreatic Beta-cell Clusters for Immunoisolated Cell-based Drug Delivery
• Microdevices for Oral Drug Delivery
• Microrods for Treatment after Myocardio Infarction
• Nanoporous Materials
• Retinal Drug Delivery
• Nanostructured Stent

Presentations