My research focuses on the design, synthesis and characterization of biocompatible, biodegradable polymers that serve a critical need in therapeutics/drug delivery. My most well-known invention is “PolyAspirin”; it was the first example of a polymer that degrades into a bioactive such as salicylic acid (SA) that can locally reduce inflammation and pain. These polymers were evaluated for various wound healing applications, such as promoting bone regeneration in diabetic animals. Another invention is the amphiphilic macromolecules (AMs), which are also bioactive. The bioactive AMs were unique therapeutic coatings for metal cardiac stents to reduce smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and platelet adhesion in humans. To date, this research has produced more than 190 peer-reviewed papers and generated nearly $30 million in federal and corporate research funding. In entrepreneurship and technology transfer, I’m an inventor on more than 70 U.S. and international issued patents based upon research performed in my research labs. I’ve also been involved in multiple start-up companies centered on biomedical polymers and worked in close partnership with companies, such as BASF, Chanel, Colgate-Palmolive, DuPont, ExxonMobil, and L’Oréal. The partnerships are typically to develop new materials and/or products that are nontoxic and biodegradable that meet an unmet consumer need in pharmaceutics, medical devices, personal care, and environmental applications. Encouraging curiosity, brainstorming, preparing for failure, and promoting teamwork are keys to the success of my research labs.

It’s about I: Invention, innovation, inspiration, and inclusivity

ACS Fall 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.