Projects

Synthetic and Natural Polymer-Based Drug Delivery for Rheumatoid Arthritis

We are exploiting the properties of polymers to improve the pharmacokinetic properties of existing disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).  Our objective is to attach multiple therapeutics to one convenient delivery vehicle and to selectively target the pannus tissue. In vitro and in vivo testing is ongoing. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis In Vitro Model

We are developing a physiologically relevant in vitro model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that includes inflammatory cells, in addition to synovial fibroblasts, and that incorporates biomechanical stimulation.  Our objective is to gain insight into the pathogenesis of RA through analysis of the complex network of cytokines. 

Impact of electrochemically treated Ti-6Al-4V on monocytes/macrophages