Research Projects
The Vascular Kinetics laboratory investigates interaction of vascular cells with their extracellular protein environment. Each project applies biochemistry and biomechanics to advance our knowledge and promote development of new therapies for vascular disease.

	Microfluidics Endothelial cells are exposed to both mechanical and biochemical stimuli. We are developing a rapid throughput microfluidic system to apply multiple stimuli simultaneously. The system will be used to investigate joint effects of flow and growth factors or cytokines.
	Mechanosensors Endothelial cells adapt to blood flow and vessel strain in their mechanical environment. We are developing endothelial cell lines that autofluoresce in response to mechanical force. These cell lines will be used to track cell mechanical response in different flow environments.
	Cell - basement membrane interaction Endothelial cells reside on a protein mesh called the basement membrane. The basement membrane provides biochemical and structural support by storing and releasing cytokines and growth factors critical to cell function. Both endothelial cells and basement membrane are altered in vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. We are investigating how altered basement membrane kinetics contribute to disease.
	Cell - cell interaction Diabetics experience higher rates of restenosis (re-closing of a blood vessel) after the vessel has been opened by stent expansion. In restenosis, smooth muscle cells grow rapidly into the blood vessel. We are using a co-culture model to study how altered endothelial cell – smooth muscle cell interaction and growth factor storage in the diabetic vascular wall play a role in this devastating disease.
	Plasma angiogenesis Diabetics suffer from slow wound healing, which can lead to large ulcerative wounds and eventually limb amputation. The Drexel Plasma Institute has shown that nitric oxide from plasma treatment can improve diabetic wound healing. Our research applies plasma to understand nitric oxide formation and subsequent angiogenesis.
	Biomimetic materials Our laboratory studies natural biomaterials such as basement membrane to facilitate development of new tissue engineering scaffolds. We are designing and manufacturing scaffolds that closely mimic natural biokinetics. We will use these scaffolds as biochemically and biomechanically active materials for tissue engineering, tissue repair, and drug delivery