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Overview on Research

The research of Gokul Kamaraju involves microgel synthesis from bio-based materials and their bio conjugation. The main focus is on the design of microgels from polysaccharides such as pectin and analyzing different methods to incorporate proteins in them. The goal is to reinforce the soft microgels with fibrous protein such as silk fibroin as well as to improve the stability of the proteins. One method is incorporating biomolecules during microgels synthesis and another method involves post-modification of the microgels with biomolecules using enzymatic bio-conjugation methods. Due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability, the resultant gel can used for medical applications such as scaffolds.

Research focus

• Development of microgels based on pectin and silk fibroin
• Characterization of different topological structure
• Conjugation of the composite microgel with proteins specific for cell surface receptors for scaffolding

Project

Bio4MatPro-Pleuraplug: Surface functionalized bio-based and injectable patches for tissue regeneration in traumatic pleural injuries