NTRC Research Programs

Current Federally Funded Research Programs

Bone Regeneration: Engineered Cellulose Putty and Growth Factor Alternatives

The lab uses cellulose, the most abundant biopolymer, as a mechanically competent platform for bone regeneration. The lab has been successful in creating a mechanically competent cellulosic scaffold platform to serve as a material for bone regeneration. The combination of natural polymers with micro- and nano-scale features enhanced the regenerative abilities of the scaffolds both in vitro and in vivo. Efforts also are made to deliver growth-factor alternative bioactive molecules to activate certain pathways to influence bone healing. Current investigations aim to improve the properties of these natural polymeric materials.

Neural Tissue Regeneration

Harnessing Electrical and Chemical Stimulation for Enhanced Recovery: The lab focuses on the development of conducting, degradable polymers and novel structured scaffolds for the regeneration of neural tissue. The slow regenerative nature of nerve tissue poses particular challenges,as nerve injuries caused by pain, trauma and/or degeneration rarely heal to suitable functional conditions. The lab develops, characterizes and tests conducting polymeric scaffolds in conjunction with electrical and chemical stimulation techniques and stem-cell strategies to enhance the rate and efficacy of nerve-tissue regeneration.

Composite Tissue Injuries

This program addresses composite tissue injuries (polytrauma) involving the concurrent loss of bone, nerve and muscle, which present major clinical challenges due to impaired structural integrity, innervation, vascularization and persistent pain. The laboratory develops multifunctional, degradable biomaterial scaffolds with engineered micro- and nanostructures to promote coordinated multi-tissue regeneration, enhance cellular infiltration and tissue ingrowth, and support functional recovery. Growth factor-free strategies are emphasized through the repurposing of FDA-approved small molecules and electrical stimulation to locally modulate immune responses, neural signaling and inflammation, while avoiding systemic side effects. Using clinically relevant polytrauma models, this work integrates regeneration and localized pain modulation within a single platform, enabling improved healing, reduced fibrosis and enhanced limb-level functional outcomes with strong translational relevance.

Soft Tissue Regeneration: Advancing Wound Healing and Minimizing Scarring

By recapitulating the natural environment of tissues using materials, cells, and biochemical cues, it is possible to regenerate tendon tissue. Polymeric micro-nanostructures, in combination with electrical and chemical stimuli as well as delivery cells and biological factors, improve healing and regeneration. Ongoing studies are focused on strategies to reduce scar and enhance functional outcomes.

Innovative Drug Delivery for Pain Management and Neuromuscular Disorders

The lab is pioneering drug delivery systems, using degradable polymeric micro/nanostructures for localized administration of diverse drugs. Current projects, funded for intervertebral disc treatment, extend to theranostic nanocarriers targeting conditions such as stroke. A key focus is developing targeted drug delivery for prolonged pain management, including a non-opioid therapeutic. The lab’s approach involves identifying chemical modulators for α6β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in dorsal root ganglia, aiming for enhanced pain relief compared to existing solutions.