Major thrust of my research program is to understand molecular level interactions of tailored synthetic polymers with biological systems in the design of novel biomaterials. We take an integrative and interdisciplinary approach with an understanding of the pathophysiology of diseases: advanced polymer synthesis in combination with well designed biological assays and animal models for the discovery of novel polymers and technologies to address unmet clinical needs.

MACROMOLECULAR THERAPEUTICS:
• A) Modular Design of  Macromolecular  Iron sequesters: Fundamental studies are directed towards the development of blood compatible long acting Iron chelators which could bind Iron inside the human body and excrete it through kidney. It is estimated that 300,000 babies are born annually with severely low amounts of normal red blood cells (anemia) and many of them require repeated blood transfusions. Unfortunately the blood transfusion will result the build-up of toxic iron in the body. This innovative approach will lead to long circulating and non-toxic iron chelators for the treatment for transfusion associated iron overload (e.g. sickle-cell anaemia, beta-thalessimia, myelodysplastic syndromes) and cancer.
• B) Antidotes for Anticoagulants to Address Bleeding Complications: Anticoagulation is one of the commonly used clinical interventions in modern medicine.  Parenteral anticoagulants, namely unfractionated heparins (UFH), low molecular weight heparins (LWMHs) and the synthetic heparin pentasaccharide, fondaparinux, are used universally for the prevention of blood coagulation in surgical procedures and and have vital roles in the prophylaxis, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as venous and arterial thromboembolism. We are developing novel polymeric systems which reverse the activity of all heparin based anticoagulants.

POLYMER CELL DERIVATIZATION TECHNOLOGY (Universal blood donor cells and Cell based therapeutic carriers):
• Our focus is on the development of polymeric cell derivatization technology for the creation of universal blood donor cells and cell surface binding polymers. We are developing novel polymers and techniques to conjugate polymers on to erythrocytes and other cells towards this purpose. We are also extending the application of this technology for converting red cells as a carrier for homeostatic and antithrombotic drugs.

III. DEVELOPMENT OF ANTITHROMBOTIC AND ANTIMICROBIAL SURFACES:
• Over the years, we have been working on the development of surface modification methods for various surfaces for enhancing biocompatibility.  Our goal is to understand the various processes when blood comes in contact with a polymeric surface using using a variety of surface analytical techniques, calorimetry, proteomics, blood interaction studies, antibacterial assays and cell-adhesion studies. Novel polymer modification techniques being developed to manipulate its surface interaction with blood, other biological fluids, bacteria and cells. Major interests are in the development of specialty surface coatings for various implants (orthopedic, coronary stents), storage containers for blood and bio-sensors and antimicrobial coatings for implants.

DEVELOPMENT OF POLYMERIC REAGENTS FOR PROTEOMIC APPLICATIONS: 
• Proteomics relies upon high efficiency mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of tryptic peptides of up to thousands of proteins present in biological compartments. MS based functional proteomics has emerged as a powerful tool in quantifying and analyzing proteome modifications submitted to different treatments. However, the complexity and high dynamic range of proteins in living organisms and the fact that interesting proteins/protein modifications are often found in low abundance jeopardize functional proteomic analysis. We are developing highly functional, soluble polymeric supports which can be used for selective enrichment of peptides before MS analysis.