We develop structure-property relationships for biomaterials in both processing and physiologically relevant flow conditions. Current research areas include injectable protein therapeutics and small molecule drug delivery.  Of particular interest is how nonlinear flows cause loss of activity, aggregation, and denaturation in proteins. For drug delivery, we tailor the self-assembly of block copolymers in the presence of small molecules to improve clinical efficacy. Current research efforts focus on tuning the properties of thermoresponsive hydrogel systems for treating ear infections. Neutron scattering is particularly well-suited for characterizing these biological materials, because it measures structural changes on broad length scales while avoiding sample damage.   

Rheology of polymer/small molecule systems show a sharp increase in loss and storage moduli, indicative of the material gelling, as temperature is increased. Tuning the gelation temperature could produce a material that flows when injected through the ear canal and then gels to enable drug delivery when it contacts the warm eardrum.