Work I've led and contributed to.
A selection of research projects, industry R&D work, and independent studies spanning biomaterials, implant design, and computational modelling.
Injectable Hydrogel for Cartilage Repair
Developed a thermoresponsive chitosan-collagen hydrogel that gels in situ at body temperature. Compressive modulus matched native articular cartilage (0.5–0.9 MPa). Tested in an ovine full-thickness defect model with histological outcomes at 12 weeks.
Osseointegration Coating for Ti Implants
Optimised a hydroxyapatite / BMP-2 dual coating on porous Ti-6Al-4V substrates via electrophoretic deposition. Coating adhesion strength exceeded ISO 13779-4 requirements. In-vitro osteoblast studies showed 40% higher mineralisation versus uncoated controls.
PLGA-PEG Nanoparticles for Targeted Drug Delivery
Formulated folate-conjugated PLGA-PEG nanoparticles encapsulating doxorubicin for breast cancer targeting. Achieved >85% encapsulation efficiency and sustained release over 21 days. Demonstrated 3× higher uptake in FR-positive cells in vitro.
Electrospun PCL Scaffold for Peripheral Nerve Repair
Fabricated aligned polycaprolactone nanofibre conduits via electrospinning to guide Schwann cell migration. Fibre alignment improved directional neurite outgrowth by 60% compared to random scaffolds.
Catheter Material Optimisation — PTFE Blends
Characterised lubricity, durometer, and kink resistance of six PTFE-based blends for interventional cardiology catheters. Identified optimal blend reducing trackability force by 22% while maintaining torque response.
FEA of Intervertebral Disc Prosthesis
Built a patient-specific finite element model of a lumbar disc prosthesis in ANSYS. Validated against cadaveric range-of-motion data. Identified stress concentration regions that informed a revised facet geometry.