Sustainable Nanomaterials

We develop biocompatible and biodegradable polymeric nanomaterials for targeted drug delivery and advanced therapeutic applications. This project focuses on engineering polymeric nanoparticles and modular cellular µPatches for cancer immunotherapy, antimicrobial therapy, and multifunctional therapeutic delivery. We utilize emulsion-based synthesis, nanoprecipitation, and microfluidic technologies to fabricate highly tunable nanoparticle systems with controlled physicochemical properties and therapeutic performance. In parallel, we design modular polymeric µPatches using lithography-assisted fabrication techniques and microcontact printing (µCP). Silicon master molds are fabricated to generate reusable PDMS stamps for producing polymeric µPatches with customizable architectures and cargo-loading capabilities. These platforms can be adapted for the delivery of anticancer drugs, antimicrobial agents targeting AMR, and other therapeutic molecules. Through the integration of biomaterials engineering, nanotechnology, and translational medicine, we aim to develop versatile and clinically relevant delivery systems with improved targeting, biosafety, and therapeutic efficacy. 

In this project, we develop environmentally sustainable metallic nanoparticles using biological synthesis approaches based on plants, bacteria, and other natural systems. Our major focus is on using bacteria as cellular nanofactories to produce green nanostructures with diverse shapes, sizes, and functional properties. We also explore medicinal plants from Scandinavia for the synthesis of these nanostructures, where the biological source contributes unique surface corona properties and bioactive functionality. The project primarily focuses on investigating the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, immune-modulating, and anticancer properties of green-synthesized nanoparticles for applications against multidrug-resistant pathogens such as MRSA, chronic biofilm-associated infections, and various cancers. In addition, we explore synergistic therapeutic strategies by combining green nanoparticles with advanced antimicrobial and functional materials, including graphene-based systems, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), zinc tetrapods, and other multifunctional nanomaterials. These hybrid platforms are designed to enhance antimicrobial efficacy and develop next-generation bioactive surfaces for wound-healing patches, implants, and catheter coatings to reduce infection and biofilm formation. We also investigate the synergistic effects of green nanoparticles in combination with anticancer drugs for the treatment of lung, breast, and prostate cancers.

In this project, we bridge the gap between advanced materials science, immunology, and artificial intelligence to pioneer green nanotechnology-based, next-generation biosensors for early cancer detection. Because early and accurate diagnosis remains the most critical factor in improving cancer prognosis, our primary mission is to replace traditional and resource-intensive diagnostic approaches with highly sensitive, scalable, and cost-effective sensing technologies. To achieve this, we engineer multimodal platforms, including electrochemical interfaces, Lateral Flow Assays (LFAs), and optical detectors, that are optimized for the rapid quantification of specific immunological biomarkers from complex biological fluids. We utilize biocompatible and sustainable gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and novel fluorescent nanomaterials to achieve high signal amplification. We integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms with our biosensor data readouts to enable predictive modeling, allowing for highly accurate, automated cancer stage prediction and personalized patient stratification.

Cancer treatment is often limited by aggressive tumor characteristics such as therapy resistance, invasion and metastatic spread. This project will focus on developing biocompatible two-dimensional nanomaterial-based platforms that can be used to target these aggressive tumor characters. Because of their high surface area, tunable surface chemistry and potential for drug delivery or combination therapy, 2D nanomaterials provide a versatile platform for designing effective cancer therapeutic strategies. Using clinically relevant cancer models, the project will evaluate how these nanomaterials affect tumor growth, cell viability, invasion-associated behavior, treatment sensitivity and metastasis-relevant phenotypes. The long-term goal is to develop a mechanism-guided approach in which nanomaterial design is directly relevant to tumor biology and therapeutic response. The work may contribute to the development of more effective nanotherapeutic strategies for aggressive, therapy-resistant or metastatic cancers.