Associate Professor Biomedical Engineering
CWRU Phone: (216) 368-3005 Fax: (216) 368-4969
e-mail: rxm4@po.cwru.edu
Education
1978, B.Sc.(Hons.) Polymer Chemistry, University of Sussex, England.
1982, M.S. Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Case Westem Reserve University.
1984, Ph.D. Macromolecular Science/Biomaterials, Case Westem Reserve University.
Research Interests
Our research is concerned with interfacial studies of biopolymers and synthetic biomaterials with blood; and the surface modification of biomaterials to achieve improved biologic function and blood com patibility. Surface-activated thrombosis and associated sequelae including bacterial adhesion are major clinical problems with blood-contacting biomaterials. Studies at the cell and molecular level assist our understanding of the underlying mechanisms, so that novel biomedical interfaces may be designed, pre pared, and characterized. We then examine biomolecular and cell-surface interactions with the modified biomaterials. Interfacial studies include using optical and electron microscopic techniques for studies at the cell level, while atomic force microscopy is used for obtaining molecular-level information on the structure and interactions of blood platelets, and plasma glycoproteins such as von Willebrand factor (vWF) and fibrinogen, with biomaterial surfaces. A recent example is our successful molecular-level imaging by AFM of vWF adsorbed on a hydrophobic self-assembled monolayer. As part of these studies, we are also attempting to quantify probe tip-surface interactions and to examine interfacial and receptor-ligand forces. Surface modification studies include synthesis and physisorption of novel oligosaccharide surfactant molecules which are being studied as potential inhibitors of surface-induced protein adsorption and thrombus formation; radiofrequency plasma polymerization of ionomer materials are being studied as potential permselective membranes for implantable sensor devices.
Selected Publications