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GRADUATE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
BIOMATERIALS AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biomaterials: Magnetic materials are being used to create novel therapies and medical diagnostics, such as detection of diseased tissue, cancer treatment, and triggered drug release. Also, tissue engineering principles are used to create improved models to better treat cancer.
Nanobiotechnology: Research activities consist of preparation of nanomaterials using biological scaffolds, development of improved drug systems, and environmental effects of nanomaterials.
Cell Engineering: Advanced bioprocessing techniques are being used to grow large-scale quantities of cancer stem cells, in order to assist translational medicine and cancer therapies. Also, metabolic engineering is allowing large-scale production of biofuels and pharmaceuticals.
COMPUTATIONAL
Molecular Simulations and Electronic Structure Calculations: This research involves applying molecular-level simulations and electronic structure calculations to predict the thermodynamics and properties of molecules, bio-molecules, fuel cells, membranes, and new catalysts.
ELECTRONIC MATERIALS AND DEVICES
Electronic Materials/Thin Films: Research addresses the fundamental understanding of atomic scale processes occurring during the synthesis of electronic materials. Special emphasis is given towards deducing the chemical reactions, thermodynamic driving forces and physical phenomena that govern the material’s physical, optical and electronic properties. Recent investigations also include research in the area of stretchable electronics and soft robotics.
Synthesis of Electronic Materials: This research effort focuses on the controlled synthesis and assembly of nanomaterials and nanostuctures. The objective of this effort is the discovery of novel phenomena exhibited by materials in the nanoscale.
ENERGY/ENVIRONMENTAL/WATER
Alternative Energy: Heterogeneous catalysis is used to produce and purify hydrogen from fossil fuels. Electrocatalysis is studied for fuel cell electrodes, photovoltaics, batteries, and supercapacitors. Major objectives include improving the activity and stability of the catalysts and finding less expensive metals. Biogas is produced from wastewater treatment sludge.
Functionalized Membranes for Separation and Reaction: Research involves addition of adsorption and catalytic properties to porous membranes and thin films through the grafting of functional polymers. Research includes high capacity membrane adsorbers for monoclonal antibodies, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, and catalytic membranes for alkylation and esterification.
Industrial Gas Capture: Ionic liquids and related compounds are being investigated as green solvents for capturing industrial CO2 emissions and many other applications. They can also be used for natural gas sweetening, by removing H2S and NH3 from the natural gas.
Sensors: Advanced nanomaterials, novel diagnostic/ environmental nanomaterial sensor platforms, and polymer composites are being developed for both societal and basic science advancement.
FACULTY
David W. Arnold, Ph.D., Purdue
Yuping Bao, Ph.D., Washington
Jason E. Bara, Ph.D., Colorado
Christopher S. Brazel, Ph.D., Purdue
Milad Esfahani, Ph.D., TN Tech
Arunava Gupta, Ph.D., Stanford
Qiang Huang, Ph.D., Louisiana State
Yonghyun (John) Kim, Ph.D., UMBC
Tonya M. Klein, Ph.D., NC State
Amanda Koh, Ph.D., Rensselaer
Qing Peng, Ph.D., NC State
Shreyas S. Rao, Ph.D., Ohio State
Stephen M.C. Ritchie, Ph.D., Kentucky
Ryan Summers, Ph.D., Iowa
C. Heath Turner, Ph.D., NC State
John Van Zee, Ph.D., Texas A&M
Steven Weinman, Ph.D., Clemson
John M. Wiest, Ph.D., Wisconsin
Evan Wujcik, Ph.D., Univ. Akron
Chao Zhao, Ph.D., Univ. Akron
Research Overview
Please address general correspondence
to the Graduate Coordinator:
Dr. Heath Turner, [email protected]
RESEARCH FUNDING
Research projects are sponsored by a wide variety of state, regional, and federal agencies, as well as private companies. In addition, approximately 25% of the faculty have received NSF-CAREER Awards, as well as other national recognition of research and teaching excellence.
Dr. Bao’s group focuses on designing novelmultifunctional nanoparticles for biomedicalapplications, such as targeted drug delivery,bio‐imaging, and drug discovery.
Magnetic nanoparticles have significantly advanced cancer treatmentsthrough targeted drug delivery and localized therapy. Magneticnanoparticles further make simultaneous therapy and diagnosis possibleas magnetic resonant imaging (MRI) contrast agents.
One of the unique aspects of Bao’s research is the creation of a suite ofiron oxide nanoparticles of different shapes as MRI contrast agents andfor other biotechnology related applications. These shapes includespheres, cubes, nanowires, plates, flowers, etc.
Much of Dr. Bao’s works are directly related to the engineering of materialinterfaces. Her group developed a facile method to attach variousmolecules onto nanoparticle surfaces for water solubility and desirablefunctionality, such as tumor targeting.
In collaboration with UAB and Biological Science Department at UA, Bao’sgroup also designs nanostructures for delivery of modulators drugs to thebrain and nanostructures for drug screening from complex matrices.
Yuping BaoAssociate ProfessorPh.D. Materials Science and Engineering and NanotechnologyUniversity of Washington, 2006
Recent Publications
1. Bao, Y. Sherwood, J., Sun, Z.,Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles asT1 contrast agents for magneticresonance imaging, J. Mater. Chem.C 6, 1280-1290 (2018).
2. Sherwood, J.; Rich, M.; Lovas, K.;Warram, J.; Bolding, M. S.; Bao, Y., T1
enhanced MRI-visible nanoclustersfor imaging-guided drug delivery.Nanoscale 9, 11785 – 11792 (2017).
3. T. Macher, J. Totenhagen, J.Sherwood, Y. Qin, D. Gurler, M. SBolding and Y. Bao, Ultrathin ironoxide nanowhiskers as positivecontrast agents for magneticresonance imaging. Adv. Funct. Mater.25, 490–494 (2015).
[email protected] ◦ (205) 348-9869
Yuping BaoNano-Bio Interface Laboratory - Multifunctional Nanostructures for Simultaneous Imaging and Therapy, and Drug Discovery
Control2 h-post
Nanoclusters15 min,
Bladder
T1 enhanced MRI-visible nanoclusters
with increased blood circulation
time
Cell-membrane coated magnetic nanoparticles for
drug screening
Dr. Bara’s research group is focused on
development of advanced polymer materials,
processes for clean energy production, green
chemical manufacture, 3‐D printing, big data,
and scientific apps for iPhones and iPads.
Dr. Bara is a recognized leader in the design and synthesis of
advanced polymers and composites based on ionic liquids. These
materials provide unprecedented opportunities to create stable
nanostructured materials with highly tunable chemical and physical
properties for applications including CO2 capture, water purification,
superabsorbents and 3‐D printing.
Capturing CO2 from power plant flue gas and other industrial
sources is one of the greatest engineering challenges of the 21st
Century. Dr. Bara’s group focuses on the design and study of new
high‐performance solvents to efficiently capture CO2 and/or SO2 at
various process conditions. Several solvents developed in Dr. Bara’s
lab are in the process of being commercialized and have been tested
in large pilot plant demonstration projects.
Dr. Bara’s group is also studying “green” solvents from glycerol and
other renewable resources and developing straightforward
methodologies for their mass production.
Dr. Bara has also developed several widely used apps for
iPhones/iPads including Chemical Engineering AppSuite, ODEsseus
and Engineering Unit Converter.
Jason E. BaraAssociate ProfessorPh.D. Chemical EngineeringUniversity of Colorado at Boulder, 2007
Recent Publications
1. Flowers, B. S.; Mittenthal, M. S.;Jenkins, A. H.; Wallace, D. A; Whitley,J. W.; Dennis, G. P.; Wang, M.;Turner, C. H.; Emel’yanenko, V. N.;Verevkin, S. P.; Bara, J. E. 1,2,3‐Trimethoxypropane: A Glycerol‐Derived Physical Solvent for CO2
Absorption. ACS Sustain. Chem. Eng.2017, 5, 911‐921
2. Whitley, J. W.; Benefield, S. C.; Liu,H.; Burnette, M. T.; Turner, C. H.;Bara, J. E. PhotopolymerizationBehavior of Coordinated Ionic LiquidsFormed from Organic Monomerswith Alkali and Alkaline Earth MetalBistriflimide Salts. Macromol. Chem.Physic. 2017, 218, 1600358.
[email protected] ◦ http://jbara.eng.ua.edu/ ◦ (205) 348‐6836 ◦ Twitter: @ProfBara
Advanced Polymers and Materials, CO2 Capture Processes, “Green” Chemistry, Ionic Liquids, 3‐D Printing, Big Data, Chemical Engineering Mobile Apps
Jason BaraJason Bara
Christopher BrazelAssociate ProfessorPh.D. Chemical EngineeringPurdue University, 1997
Recent Publications1. Shah, R.R., T.W. Linville, A. Whynot
and C.S. Brazel, “Evaluating thetoxicity of bDtBPP on CHO-K1 cellsfor testing of single-usebioprocessing systems consideringmedia selection, cell culture volume,mixing, and exposure duration,”Biotech. Progress 32, 1318-1323(2016).
2. R.R. Shah, A.R. Dombrowsky, A.L.Paulson, M.P. Johnson, D.E. Nikles,and C.S. Brazel, “Determining ironoxide nanoparticle heating efficiencyand elucidating local nanoparticletemperature for application inagarose gel-based tumor model,”Mater. Sci. Eng. C 68, 18-29 (2016).
3. A.L. Glover, S.M. Nikles, J.A. Nikles,C.S. Brazel, D.E. Nikles, PolymerMicelles with Crystalline Cores forThermally Triggered Release,Langmuir 28, 10653-10660 (2012).
[email protected] ◦ cbrazel.people.ua.edu ◦ (205) 348-9738
10 min
Christopher BrazelToxicological Evaluation of Novel Materials, Polymers, Magnetic Hyperthermia, Nanotherapeutics, Single-use Bioprocessing Films
The Brazel Laboratory is interested in developingand understanding the chemical and biologicalproperties of materials for medical,biopharmaceutical, and chemical processingapplications. Recent foci in the lab include: (1)developing a robust toxicology assay to evaluatepolymer films for single-use cellculture/fermentation as well as ionic liquids usedin recycling of materials, and (2) development oftargeted magnetic micelles that combinehyperthermia with drug release for cancertherapy.We seek to understand the fundamental chemistry and physics of thematerials and phenomena to guide the optimization of materials used inbio- and chemical-processing and drug delivery devices, while consideringthe interaction of new materials with both the human body (therapeuticeffect) and the environment (potential toxicology).
In the area of toxicology, the biopharmaceutical industry isgrowing ever-more dependent on single-use plastics forsterile, off-the shelf solutions to growing cells. Withthis comes the potential exposure of cells used to manu-facture complex medicines to plastics additives thatmay impair cell growth or lead to unsafe by-products.By developing toxicological assays, standardized tests canbe developed to compare products made across the in-dustry and safer plastics developed to ensure high quality production.
In the area targeted magnetic micelles, the combination of nanoparticleswith polymeric micelles allows a magnetic field to trigger release ofchemotherapy agents. Our lab includes synthesis of iron oxidenanoparticles, self-assembly of poly(caprolactone-b-ethylene glycol) blockcopolymers and characterization of the properties and functionality ofthese materials. Electron microscopy (TEM image of magnetic micellesbelow, left), and high frequency magnetic heating (envisioned using aninfrared camera, bottom right) are used to validate the system.
Dr. Esfahani ’s group uses a multidisciplinaryapproach to develop novel functionalizedmembranes with ultimate goal of water ‐wastewater treatment and energyproduction.Our research field is at the interface of several disciplines includingseparation science, nanotechnology, materials science and colloid sciencethat links to the water‐energy‐food nexus. In the field of functionalizedmembranes, we are developing catalytic membranes with self‐cleaningproperties where they can provide higher permeability and less fouling. .Our research group will develop different strategies to incorporatenanoparticles with specific properties such as photo catalytic activity oftitanium dioxide nanoparticles, highly adsorptive properties of multiwallcarbon nanotube, anti‐bacterial properties of silver nanoparticles, andhigh absorptive properties of gold nanoparticles to the polymericstructure of the membranes for creation of advanced self‐cleaningmembranes. We use both computational and experimental approaches todesign engineered membranes for water desalination, water purificationand energy production. Also, in the field of nanomaterials environmentalsafety, we are studying the transport and fate of nanomaterials in aquaticenvironment.
Recent Publications1. M. R. Esfahani, V. L. Pallema, H. A.
Stretz, M. J. M. Wells, Core‐sizeregulatedaggregation/disaggregation ofcitrate‐coated gold nanoparticles(5–50 nm) and dissolved organicmatter: Extinction, emission, andscattering evidence, Spectro. ActaPart A: Molecular and Biom.Spectroscopy 189, 415–426 (2018).
2. M. R. Esfahani, E. M. Languri, M. R.Nunna, Effect of particle size andviscosity on thermal conductivityenhancement of graphene oxidenanofluid, Inter. Communicationsin Heat and Mass Transfer 76, 308–315 (2016).
3. M. R. Esfahani, H. A. Stretz, M. J.M. Wells, Effects of a dualnanofiller, nano‐TiO2 andMWCNT,for polysulfone‐basednanocomposite membranes forwater purification, Desalination372, 47–56 (2015).
[email protected] ◦ http://mesfahani.people.ua.edu ◦ (205) 348‐8836
Nano‐composite Membranes Fabrication and Characterization
Milad Rabbani EsfahaniMilad Rabbani Esfahani
Natural organic matters – Nanoparticles Interaction
Functionalized Membranes For Sustainable Water and Energy Production, Water Purification and Desalination, Nanomaterials Environmental Safety
Milad R. EsfahaniAssistant ProfessorPh.D. Chemical EngineeringTennessee Tech. University, 2015
CFD Modeling of Transport Phenomena in Membranes
Dr. Gupta’s group focuses on controlledsynthesis and assembly of nanomaterials andnanostructures, with emphasis on theexploration and manipulation of materials’physical and chemical properties and theirpotential applications.Spintronics, also known as magneto‐electronics, is an emergingtechnology which exploits the intrinsic spin of electrons and its associatedmagnetic moment, in addition to its fundamental electronic charge, insolid‐state devices. Spintronics exploits electron spin, creating a new classof devices that can potentially be scaled down to nano‐dimensions andcan also provide additional functionality. The group is interested in thegrowth and characterization of novel magnetic thin films by a variety ofdeposition techniques, including chemical vapor deposition, pulsed laserdeposition, etc. for the fabrication of devices, such as magnetic tunneljunctions and spin‐based semiconductors, and their application forstorage, memory, and logic‐based devices.
Nanomaterials are of great interest for a wide range of applications,including catalysis, data storage, biotechnology/biomedicine, etc. Inparticular, the synthesis of monodisperse uniform‐sized nanocrystalsusing solution‐based methods is of key importance for these applicationsbecause of their strong dimension‐dependent physical and chemicalproperties. Dr. Gupta’s research group is interested in the synthesis offunctional oxides and chalcogenides in the form of nanoparticles andother nanostructures with controlled shape, size, structure, etc.
In addition to traditional methods for the synthesis of inorganicnanomaterials, novel approaches are being developed that exploitadvances in biotechnology. The bio‐inspired approach to materialssynthesis has successfully utilized cells, viruses, and biomolecules, such asnucleic acids, proteins, etc., to produce inorganic nanomaterials withcontrolled crystal morphology, phase structure, and size, under mildconditions.
Arunava GuptaProfessorPh.D. Chemical PhysicsStanford University, 1980
Recent Publications1. K. Ramasamy, R. K. Gupta, S.
Palchoudhury, S. Ivanov, and A.Gupta, Layer‐Structured CopperAntimony Chalcogenides (CuSbSexS2‐x): Stable Electrode Materials forSupercapacitors, Chem. Mater. 27,379 (2015).
2. Z. Zhou, G. J. Bedwell, R. Li, N. Bao, P.E. Prevelige, and A. Gupta, P22Virus‐like Particles ConstructedAu/CdS Plasmonic PhotocatalyticNanostructures for EnhancedPhotoactivity, Chem. Commun. 51,1062 (2015).
3. Z. Shan, D. Clayton, S. Pan, P. S.Archana, and A. Gupta, Visible LightDriven PhotoelectrochemicalProperties of Ti@TiO2 NanowireElectrodes Sensitized with Core‐ShellAg@Ag2S Nanoparticles, J. Phys.Chem. B 118, 14037 (2014).
[email protected] ◦ http://www.bama.ua.edu/~agupta/ ◦ (205) 348‐3822
Arunava GuptaArunava GuptaControlled Synthesis and Assembly of Nanomaterials and Nanostructures
Dr. Huang’s group focuses on developingelectrochemical technologies to fabricate newmaterials and structures for applications inmicroelectronics, renewable energy, andbiomedical devices.
Recent Publications
1. Q. Huang, T. W. Lyons, and W. D.
Sides, Electrodeposition of Cobalt for
Interconnect Application: Effect of
Dimethylglyoxime, J. Electrochem. Soc.,
16, D715 (2016).
2. Q. Huang, S. S. Papa Rao, and K. Fisher,
Light Assisted Electro‐deposition and
Silicidation of Ni for Silicon Photovoltaic
Cell Metallization, ECS J. Solid State Sci.
Technol., 4, Q75, (2015).
3. A. Sahin, Q. Huang, J. Cotte, and B.
Baker‐O’Neal, Electrodeposition of
Palladium for Nanodevice Application,
J. Electrochem. Soc. 161, D697 (2014).
[email protected] ◦ http://eeml.ua.edu ◦ (205) 348‐4581
Qiang HuangQiang HuangElectrochemical Engineering for Nanomaterials, Nanostructures and Nanodevices
Qiang HuangAssistant ProfessorPh.D. Chemical EngineeringLouisiana State University, 2004
Chalcogenide compounds of transition metals find a variety of
applications, including phase change (see above on the right) memory,
piezoelectric switches, thin film solar cells as well as electro‐ and photo‐
catalysts. Our group is developing electrodeposited chalcogenide
nanomaterials including thin films, nanowires and nanoparticles for those
applications. Our research focuses on the understanding of nucleation
and growth of such nanomaterials with a long term goal to make
electrodeposition the viable process to fabricate memory devices.
Interconnect is a network of metal wires in integrated circuits, which
enables the communication between semiconductor devices. The state‐
of‐the‐art Cu interconnects (below left figure) is currently facing a big
challenge, where Cu resistivity increases exponentially as the dimension
of wires decreases. We are exploring the chemistry and process to enable
the fabrication of interconnects with other metals, which do not suffer
the same resistivity increase. In addition, we are investigating the
electrodeposition of novel interconnects for quantum computers.
100 nm
Other focuses of our research include the
development of a 3‐D printing technology for
metals based on electrodeposition. In addition,
we are developing a biomedical device using
electrochemically created nanomaterials.
Anodization methods to create nanopore
templates with controlled pore location and
size are investigated. Furthermore, nanowires
with compositional modulation at nanometer
scale are fabricated (see on the right).
Yonghyun (John) KimAssociate ProfessorPh.D. Chemical EngineeringUniv. Maryland Baltimore County, 2008
Recent Publications1.Nakod PS, Kim Y, and Rao SS, Biomimetic
models to examine microenvironmentalregulation of glioblastoma stem cells,Cancer Letters 429, 41-53 (2018).
2.Triantafillu UL, Nix JN, and Kim Y, Novelfluid shear-based dissociation device forimproved single cell dissociation ofspheroids and cell aggregates,Biotechnology Progress 34, 293-298(2018).
3.Triantafillu UL, Park S, Klaassen NL,Raddatz AD, and Kim Y, Fluid shear stressinduces cancer stem cell-like phenotypein MCF7 breast cancer cell line withoutinducing epithelial-to-mesenchymaltransition, International Journal ofOncology 50, 993-1001 (2017).
4.Magrath JW and Kim Y, Salinomycin'spotential to eliminate glioblastoma stemcells and treat glioblastoma multiforme,International Journal of Oncology 51,753-759 (2017).
[email protected] ◦ http://ykim.eng.ua.edu ◦ (205) 348-1729
The Kim laboratory is working onbioprocessing expansion of cancer stem cellsto better assist translational medicine.Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered thestem cell-like pluripotent cancer cells thatcause relapse in patients even after the mostrigorous treatment.
Pharmaceutical companies, however, typically use several decades-oldcancer cell lines during their drug development because, among manyreasons, (1) CSCs are hard to acquire and (2) are limited in number. It isbecoming increasingly recognized, however, drug development must bebased on CSCs to develop better drugs that target the "real culprit" intumors. Therefore, the work at the Kim Laboratory aims to bridge theoncologists with the engineers by developing large scale quantities ofCSCs using engineering principles and systems biology tools (e.g.proteomics) for the mass production of CSCs from primary patient tissuesand cell culture. By doing so, they hope to assist in the drug developmentby providing a more relevant and closer-to-clinic resource of cancer cells.
Yonghyun (John) KimBioprocessing, Oncology, Systems Biology, Translational Medicine
Tonya KleinAssociate ProfessorPh.D. Chemical EngineeringNorth Carolina State University, 1999
As electronic, magnetic and photonicdevices become more sophisticated, there isan ever‐pressing need to fully understandthe physics and chemistry of solidinterfaces. Technologies such as spin valves,field effect transistors, and nano‐laminateoptical coatings are all comprised of ultra‐thin films in the nanometer thicknessregime.At this dimension, bulk thermodynamic properties governing filmstability, diffusion, and reactions as well as bulk electron transportmechanisms that determine device performance no longer apply.Hence, there is a need to develop novel preparation proceduresfor thin film structures with abrupt interfaces for incorporation innew devices and in test devices which probe fundamental physicalphenomena like electron scattering at interfaces in giant magnetoresistance (GMR) and tunneling magneto resistance (TMR)recording heads.
Atomic Layer Chemical Vapor Deposition is a promising techniquefor the fabrication of nanometer scale thin films for alternate highk gate dielectrics in field effect transistors, dielectrics for magnetictunnel junctions, and metal thin films for spin valves, opticalcoatings, or diffusion barriers for interconnects. The processinvolves a separation of the reaction sequence into two self‐limiting steps dependent on the availability of functional groupspresent on the surface. This allows the formation of an atomiclayer one step at a time, resulting in excellent film uniformity,conformality and thickness control.
Recent Publications1. K. J. Li, L. Zhang, D. A. Dixon, T. M.Klein, Undulating Topography of HfO2
Thin Films Deposited in a MesoscaleReactor Using Hafnium (IV) tertButoxide, AICHE J. 57, 2989‐2996(2011).
2. N. Li, M. Liu, Z. Zhou, N. X. Sun, D. V.B. Murthy, G. Srinivasan, T. M. Klein,et al., Electrostatic Tuning ofFerromagnetic Resonance andMagnetoelectric Interactions inFerrite‐piezoelectric HeterostructuresGrown by Chemical Vapor Deposition,Appl. Phys. Lett. 99, 192502 (2011).
3. K. J. Li, S. G. Li, N. Li, T. M. Klein, D. A.Dixon, Tetrakis(ethylmethylamido)Hafnium Adsorption and Reaction onHydrogen‐Terminated Si(100)Surfaces. J. Phys. Chem. C 115, 18560‐18571 (2011).
[email protected] ◦ (205) 348‐9744
Attenuated total reflectance Fouriertransform infra‐red spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) reaction cell is used to observeinitial reaction pathways in real time. AnIR light beam is focused on the backsideof a heated Si, Ge or ZnSe ATR crystaland is bounced though as it is totallyreflected at the gas surface interfaces.Some of the light extends as anevanescent wave into the reaction zoneon the topside of the ATR crystal and isused to identify key chemical groupsinvolved in the reaction sequence.
Tonya KleinTonya KleinIn‐situ IR Spectroscopy of Thin Film Deposition
Amanda KohAssistant ProfessorPh.D. Chemical EngineeringRensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 2016
Recent Publications
1. Koh, A., Sietins, J., Mrozek, R.,Slipher, G., Deformable liquid metalpolymer composites withindependently tunable electronicand mechanical properties, Journalof Materials Research, 1-11 (2018).
2. Koh, A., Mrozek, R., Slipher, G.,Characterization and Manipulationof Interfacial Activity for AqueousGalinstan Dispersions, AdvancedMaterials Interfaces 1701240, 1-9(2018).
3. Koh, A., Todd, K., Sherbourne, E.,Gross, R. A., FundamentalCharacterization of the Micellar Self-Assembly of Sophorolipid Esters,Langmuir 33, 5760-5768 (2017).
[email protected] ◦ https://askoh.people.ua.edu ◦ (205) 348-8415
Amanda KohFunctional Material Interfaces for Soft Robotics, Stretchable Electronics, Sensing, and Environmental Remediation
Dr. Koh’s group focuses on engineeringmultifunctional materials through theintentional design of interfaces. Currentresearch focuses on materials for softrobotics, stretchable electronics, sensing, andenvironmental remediation.
As devices become more advanced in the fields of defense, health, andmanufacturing, it is no longer enough for materials to have a singlefunction or a be useful to only a single application. Materials that areresponsive and multifunctional are key to creating robust, practical, andadaptive systems. The Koh lab seeks to develop these materials throughthe engineering of internal and composite interfaces either through themanipulation of existing chemistry or the addition of novel components.
Much of the current work in Dr. Koh’s lab focuses on developing softmaterials which are both deformable and have electronic, magnetic, orsensing capabilities. Applications of these materials include stretchableelectronics (ex. wearables and health monitoring), soft robotics (ex.human-machine interfaces and manned-unmanned teaming), andenvironmental contaminant sensing (ex. heavy metals and petroleumderivatives).
Liquid metal in PDMS dielectric dispersions
Controlling flocculation through surfactant structure
Qing PengAssistant ProfessorPh.D. Chemical EngineeringNorth Carolina State University, 2009
Dr. Peng’s group focuses on understanding thesurface/interfacial phenomena during theassembly of materials from molecular buildingblocks (Molecular Legos). With thesefundamental knowledge, the group isinterested in developing assembly strategiesof ultrathin new materials to addresschallenges facing the sustainable energyutilization.Energy is critical to the sustainable development of the humansociety. Most of the challenges in the human society can beaddressed if we can harvest a large amount of energy in asustainable way. New materials play the critical role indeveloping sustainable methods of energy utilization.Surface/interfacial properties of the materials often determinethe performance of the materials in the energy relatedapplications ranging from solar energy conversion,electrochemical energy conversion and energy storage, 2Dmicroelectronics, flexible electronics and biomaterials.
Our interests is to develop new methods to assemble materialswith control of the composition and structures down to theatomic level. We are interested in understanding thenucleation and growth mechanisms of ALD (Atomic LayerDeposition) and its derivatives by in‐situ/ex‐situ analyticmethods to grow materials with the controlled physiochemicalproperties. With the thorough understandings of the devices’physics and substrate chemistry, we are also interested inemploying novel molecular assembly strategies in tuning thesurface/interfacial chemistry and micro‐structures of materials,and establishing the structure‐property relationship ofmaterials.
Recent Publications1. A. Cordova, Q. Peng, I. L. Ferrall, A. J.
Rieth, P. G. Hoertz, J. T. Glass.Enhanced PhotoelectrochemicalWater Oxidation via Atomic LayerDeposition of TiO2 on Fluorine‐doped Tin Oxide Nanoparticle Films,Nanoscale. 7, 8584, (2015).
2. Q. Peng, B. Kalanyan, P. G. Hoertz, A.Miller, D. H. Kim, K. Hanson, L.Alibabaei, J. Liu, T. J. Meyer, G. N.Parsons, J. T. Glass, “Solution‐Processed, Antimony‐Doped TinOxide Colloid Films Enable High‐Performance TiO2 Photoanodes forWater Splitting,” Nano Lett. 13, 1481(2013).
3. Q. Peng, Y. C. Tseng, S. B. Darling, J.W. Elam, “Nanoscopic PatternedMaterials with Tunable Dimensionsvia Atomic Layer Deposition on BlockCopolymers,” Adv. Mater. 22, 5129(2010).
[email protected] ◦ (205) 348 4281
Qing PengQing PengSurface/Interfacial Engineering Group
The projects will beexplored in Dr. Peng’sresearch group.
1) Surface reactionmechanism of ALD;
2) Perovskite solar cell;
3) Catalysts for energyharvesting.
The Rao Laboratory is developing engineering tools tounravel the mechanisms associated with the role ofmicroenvironment in cancer progression, therapeuticresponse and resistance.
The oncogenic progression of cancer from the primary to themetastatic setting is the critical event that defines stage IVdisease, no longer considered curable. Despite some success indeveloping a suite of therapies, a key challenge that continuesto hamper cancer treatment is the frequent development ofdrug resistance, particularly in the metastatic setting, resultingin disease relapse and often mortality. Most existingexperimental models to investigate tumor cell responses totherapeutic treatments and examine mechanisms of drugresistance utilize two dimensional (2D) substrates (e.g., plastic,glass) that largely fail to recapitulate the complex in vivoenvironment.
Our research group is designing three dimensional (3D)biomaterial scaffolds (e.g., hydrogel scaffolds, and porousscaffolds) as tools to mimic features of tissues that could serveas platforms for elucidating physiologically relevant cellularbehaviors, drug screening and discovery, as well as mechanismsof drug resistance in the context of cancer therapeutics in vitroand in vivo. In addition, we are developing biomaterial toolsthat could be employed for sensing and modulation of drugresistance. We are also interested in applying systems biologyapproaches to understand the underlying mechanisms oftherapeutic resistance in physiologically relevant 3Dmicroenvironments. This knowledge could be subsequentlyutilized to devise strategies that can reprogram themicroenvironment to halt disease progression. Given that drugresistance is a major issue noted across multiple types ofcancers, this work would have far reaching implications in drugdiscovery and development, thereby transforming currenttreatment strategies.
Shreyas RaoAssistant ProfessorPh.D., Chemical EngineeringThe Ohio State University, 2012
Recent Publications1. S.M. Azarin, J. Yi, R.M. Gower, B.A.
Aguado, M.E. Sullivan, A.G.Goodman, E.J. Jiang, S.S. Rao, Y. Ren,S.L. Tucker, V. Backman, J.S. Jeruss,L.D. Shea In vivo capture and label‐free detection of early metastaticcells. Nature Commun. In Press.(2015).
2. S.S. Rao, J.J. Lannutti, M.S. Viapiano,A. Sarkar, J.O. Winter Toward 3Dbiomimetic models to understand thebehavior of glioblastoma multiformecells. Tissue Eng. B: Rev. 20, 314‐327(2014).
3. S.S. Rao, J. DeJesus, A. R. Short, J.J.Otero, A. Sarkar, J.O. WinterGlioblastoma behaviors in three‐dimensional collagen‐ hyaluronancomposite hydrogels. ACS Appl.Mater. Interf. 5, 9276‐84 (2013).
[email protected] ◦ (205) 348‐6564
Shreyas RaoShreyas RaoBiomaterials, Cell‐Material Interactions, Tumor Microenvironment, Drug Resistance
Dr. Ritchie’s laboratory focuses on theaddition of active properties to passivematerials. This work has resulted inadsorptive membranes for antibodypurification, highly charged membranes forprotein separation and concentration, andmembrane catalysts. Commercial productionof functionalized membranes and scale‐upare also of interest.
The group’s interest in adsorptive membranes has been focused onantibody purification. The work is continuing and evolving to includeother biomolecules and more complex adsorption sites. Adsorptivemembranes are fully synthetic and high capacity, and are capable ofachieving similar selectivity to affinity resins.
We also have a strong interest in commercial production techniques andapplications for functionalized membranes. Currently, work is focused onhigh volume systems containing proteins and other biomolecules. Thegoal is to concentrate proteins similar to conventional microfiltration andultrafiltration processes, but at much higher flux through a combinationof separation mechanisms beyond size exclusion.
The group’s interest in acid catalysis has been on low temperaturereactions where the competing solid‐phase catalyst is strong acid ionexchange resin. Our current interest is adapting membranes for long‐term operation in industrial systems. We are targeting applications withreactive distillation is currently employed.
Stephen RitchieAssociate ProfessorPh.D. Chemical EngineeringUniversity of Kentucky, 2001
Recent Publications1. Shethji, J. and Ritchie, S.M.C.,
Microfiltration membranesfunctionalized with multiple styrenichomopolymer and block copolymergrafts, Journal of Applied PolymerScience, 132, 42501, (2015).
2. El‐Zanati, E., Ritchie, S.M.C., Abdalla,H., Elnashaie, S., Mathematicalmodeling, verification andoptimization for catalytic membraneesterification micro‐reactor,International Journal of ChemicalReaction Engineering, 13, 71‐82(2015).
[email protected] ◦ http://www.bama.ua.edu/~sritchie/ ◦ (205) 348‐2712
Stephen RitchieStephen RitchieFunctionalized Materials for Separation and Catalysis
Ryan SummersAssistant ProfessorPh.D. Chemical and Biochemical Engr.University of Iowa, 2011
The Summers lab is working to metabolicallyengineer bacteria and yeast cells to producechemicals, fuels, and pharmaceuticals.Specifically, the group focuses on engineeringenzymes, gene networks, and geneticregulatory elements in microbial cells.
Caffeine is a natural product produced by many plants andconsumed by humans worldwide. However, high caffeineconsumption has also led to large amounts of caffeinated wastefrom coffee and tea processing plants. This can have detrimentalenvironmental effects, as caffeine is toxic to most bacteria andinsects. The Summers lab has a growing collection of bacteriacapable of growing on caffeine as sole carbon and nitrogensource. From these bacteria, new genes and enzymes are beingdiscovered that can be used in a variety of biotechnologicalapplications. Through a combination of systems biology, proteinengineering, and molecular biology, the lab is engineering yeastto simultaneously decaffeinate coffee waste and ferment thesugars in the waste to ethanol. Additionally, bacterial strains toproduce high‐value chemicals from caffeine are being created.The group is also working to determine the structures ofcaffeine‐degrading enzymes in bacteria using X‐raycrystallography.
Other projects in the Summers lab include metabolicengineering of probiotic bacteria for in situ delivery of aminoacids, characterization of genetic regulatory elements inprobiotic bacteria, design of modular plasmids for metabolicengineering of E. coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and othermicrobial strains, and construction of novel riboswitches thatrecognize small molecules.
As society moves away from use of petroleum resources forproduction of fuels and chemicals, their replacements mustcome from natural, renewable resources. To meet this need, theSummers lab seeks to engineer bacteria and yeast cells toproduce bulk and fine chemicals from biomass. In addition tothese chemicals, the group is looking at production ofpharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals in metabolically engineeredmicrobial cells.
Recent Publications1. R. M. Summers, S. Gophishetty, S. K.Mohanty, and M. Subramanian, NewGenetic Insights to Consider CoffeeWaste as Feedstock for Fuel, Feed, andChemicals, Central Eur. J. Chem. 12,1271‐1279 (2014).
2. R. M. Summers, J. L. Seffernick, E.Quandt, C. L. Yu, J. Barrick, and M.Subramanian, Caffeine Junkie: AnUnprecedented GST‐DependentOxygenase Required for CaffeineDegradation by P. putida CBB5, J.Bacteriol. 195, 3933‐3939 (2013).
3. E. M. Quandt, M. J. Hammerling, R. M.Summers, P. B. Otoupal, B. Slater, R. N.Alnahhas, A. Dasbupta, J. L. Bachman,M. Subramanian, and J. E. Barrick,Decaffeination and Measurement ofCaffeine Content by AddictedEscherichia coli with a Refactored N‐Demethylation Operon fromPseudomonas putida CBB5, ACS Synth.Biol. 2, 301‐307 (2013).
[email protected] ◦ (205) 348‐3169
Ryan M. SummersRyan M. SummersMetabolic Engineering, Synthetic Biology, Biochemical Engineering for Production of Chemicals, Fuels, and Pharmaceuticals
C. Heath TurnerProfessorPh.D. Chemical EngineeringNorth Carolina State University, 2002
Dr. Turner’s group uses computer simulationsto investigate adsorption and reactions onsurfaces and at interfaces. Their work helpsguide the synthesis of new nanomaterials,identify new catalysts for environmentalapplications, and design unique solventmolecules for CO2 separation technologies.
The Turner group uses molecular simulations and quantum mechanicalcalculations to screen new materials for a variety of clean energytechnologies. In the field of catalysis, we are using kinetic Monte Carlosimulations to help identify an environmentally‐benign route forsynthesizing propylene oxide using gold‐based nanoparticles. Also, weare using molecular simulation tools to screen solvents for producingthermoelectric materials (such as Bi2Te3), which can be used to capturewaste heat from a variety of sources. In terms of CO2 capture, we aredeveloping efficient simulation tools for quickly screening and identifyingeffective solvents and polymers for CO2 capture applications. In allprojects, we work closely with experimental collaborators, in order toregularly benchmark our models and develop reliable predictions.
Recent Publications1. A. Abedini, T. K. Ludwig, Z. Zhang, C.H. Turner, Bismuth TellurideExfoliation in Ionic Liquids: DifferentInitiation Mechanisms in MolecularDynamics Simulations, Langmuir 32,9982–9992 (2016).
2. C. H. Turner, Y. Lei, and Y. Bao,Modeling the Atomistic GrowthBehavior of Gold Nanoparticles inSolution, Nanoscale 8, 9354‐9365(2016).
3. Z. Zhang and C. H. Turner, Structuraland Electronic Properties of CarbonNanotubes and GraphenesFunctionalized with Cyclopentene–Transition Metal Complexes: A DFTStudy, J. Phys. Chem. C 117, 8758‐8766 (2013).
[email protected] ◦ http://TurnerResearchGroup.ua.edu ◦ (205) 348‐1733
Solvents for CO2 Absorption
C. Heath TurnerC. Heath TurnerSimulations of Nanomaterials, Computational Screening of CO2
Solvents, Environmental Catalysis Modeling, Interfacial Phenomena
Nanoparticle Synthesis
Exfoliation of Nanomaterials for Energy Harvesting
John Van ZeeProfessorPh.D. Chemical EngineeringTexas A & M University, 1984
Dr. Van Zee’s group applies the principles ofchemical engineering to electrochemicalsystems. These applications includecorrosion, batteries, fuel cells, and industrialproduction of chlorine and caustic.
Electrochemical engineering provides a path toward the development ofcost‐effective sustainable alternative energy systems. These topics includeelectroplating of alloys for circuit boards and corrosion resistant lightweight materials as well as energy conversion devices such as fuel cellsand batteries. Recent projects on concentrated solar power andimproving fuel cells are described below to provide an idea of ourapproach.
Concentrated solar power systems may use inexpensive molten chloridesalts at temperatures approaching 900 ◦C. In these systems, thecombustion of fossil fuels in the boiler of a Rankine cycle is replaced by aheat exchanger with a solar‐heated high temperature molten salt. Todesign economical systems, it is necessary to understand corrosionbehavior of lower‐cost tubes and structures used in the heat exchangersand storage tanks. In these aggressive environments with non‐specialtymaterials, corrosion appears to proceed via selective oxidation of Cr atthe grain boundary. Models of these phenomena, which include masstransfer, kinetics, thermodynamics, and potential theory, are beingdeveloped to describe the corrosion mechanisms. These models of thechromium concentration (Ccr) are time‐dependent two‐dimensional andrequire meshing at the micron level (see below). The goal is corrosionmitigation strategies.
In the search to lower the capital cost for low temperature fuel cells, off‐the‐shelf polymeric materials may be used for the balance of plant. Thesematerials meet the stress‐strain requirements in vehicles, but they maycontain leachable species which contaminate and decrease bothperformance and fuel cell life. By using in‐situ and ex‐situ data, the VanZee group has developed models that predict the voltage loss as afunction of the chemistry of the functional groups in the leachates.
Recent Publications1. H‐S. Cho and J. W. Van Zee, AnIsothermal Model for PredictingPerformance Loss in PEMFCs fromBalance of Plant Leachates, J.Electrochem. Soc. 161, F1375‐F1388(2014).
2. H‐S. Cho, M. Ohashi, and J. W. VanZee, Absorption behavior of vanadiumin Nafion, J. Power Sources 267, 547‐552 (2014).
3. T. Cui, Y. J. Chao, and J. W. Van Zee,Sealing force prediction of elastomericseal material for PEM fuel cell undertemperature cycling, Inter. J. HydrogenEnergy 39, 1430‐1438 (2014).
4. T. Cui, Y. J. Chao, and J. W. Van Zee,Thermal stress development of liquidsilicone rubber seal under temperaturecycling, Polym. Testing 32, 1202‐1208(2013).
[email protected] ◦ (205) 348‐6981
John W. Van ZeeJohn W. Van ZeeElectrochemical Engineering
Meshing
Dr. Weinman’s group focuses onfunctionalizing commercial membranes viasurface chemistry and surface morphologymodifications with the ultimate goal toimprove current commercial membranes.
Membranes are semi-permeable barriers that separate substances whena driving force is applied across the membrane. The Weinman groupworks to provide solutions to current environmental and wastewaterchallenges by developing new membrane technologies. We will studyfundamental interactions of modified membranes with differentcompounds of interest.
Membrane distillation purifies water through a vapor pressure gradientcreated by heating the feed solution which causes water vapor to diffusethrough the hydrophobic membrane pores. Therefore, only volatilecomponents can transport through the membrane, thus removingcontaminants from water. However, one of the limitations of membranedistillation is membrane fouling. My research will be focused on surfacemodifying these membranes to reduce oil fouling.
Another project involves creating membrane adsorbers to capture heavymetals. Heavy metals are known to be toxic, are not biodegradable, andwill accumulate in living organisms. Unlike technologies that rely on porediffusion for mass transport (e.g. resin beads), these membraneadsorbers use convective flow through the membrane pores for masstransport to the adsorption sites.
A third project revolves around water and wastewater treatment byfunctionalizing ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosismembranes with anti-fouling zwitterion layers. These layers are special inthat they can switch reversibly between anti-fouling mode and anti-microbial mode (biocidal).
Steven T. WeinmanAssistant ProfessorPh.D. Chemical EngineeringClemson University, 2018
Recent Publications
1. Weinman, S.T.; Bass, M.; Pandit, S.;Herzberg, M.; Freger, V.; and Husson,S.M., A switchable zwitterionicmembrane surface chemistry forbiofouling control, J. Membr. Sci. 548,490-501 (2018).
2. Weinman, S.T.; Husson, S.M.,Influence of chemical coatingcombined with nanopatterning onalginate fouling during nanofiltration,J. Membr. Sci. 513, 146-154 (2016).
3. Colburn, A.S.; Meeks, N.; Weinman,S.T.; Bhattacharyya, D., High totaldissolved solids water treatment bycharged nanofiltration membranesrelating to power plant applications,Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 55, 4089–4097(2016).
[email protected] ◦ http://sweinman.people.ua.edu ◦ (205) 348-8516
Steven WeinmanFunctionalized Membranes for Water Purification, Membrane Fouling, Surface Science
Evan K. WujcikAssistant ProfessorPhD Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering,The University of Akron (2013)M.B.A., The University of Rhode Island
Selected Recent Publications1. E.K. Wujcik, S. E. Duirk, G. G. Chase, C.
N. Monty, A visible colorimetric sensorbased on nanoporous polypropylenefiber membranes for the determinationof trihalomethanes in treated drinkingwater, Sensors and Actuators B:Chemical 223, 1-8 (2016).
2.Y. Lu, M. Chandra Biswas, Z. Guo, J.W.Jeon, E.K. Wujcik, RecentDevelopments in Bio-monitoring viaAdvanced Polymer Nanocomposite-based Wearable Strain Sensors,Biosensors and Bioelectronics (2018).
3.A. P. Bafana, X. Yan, X. Wei, M. Patel, Z.Guo, S. Wei, E.K. Wujcik,Polypropylene NanocompositesReinforced with Low Weight PercentGraphene Nanoplatelets, CompositesPart B: Engineering 109, 101-107(2017).
[email protected] ◦ http://www.meanlaboratory.com ◦ (205) 348-52216
The Materials Engineering And Nanosensor[MEAN] Laboratory investigates anddevelops advanced nanomaterials,fundamental biomedical & environmentalsensor platforms, and wearable electronics.
Evan K. WujcikAdvanced Nanomaterials, Wearable Electronics, Bio/Nanosensors, Polymers, Nanofibers, Electrospinning, Environmental Engineering
The MEAN Laboratory lies atthe interface of materialsscience/ engineering,polymer science,nanotechnology, and surface(sensor) science. Fromstudying fundamentalmaterial properties andapplications ofnanomaterials comesinnovative nanosensors,biosensors, wearablesensors, and bio-compatiblematerials applicable to anumber of fields anddisciplines.
Co-Electrospinning of Titania/Lead Selenide Nanostructures Organized Across
Multiple Length Scales & Dimensions
A Visible Colorimetric Sensor based on Nanoporous Polypropylene Fiber Membranes for the Determination
of Trihalomethanes in Treated Drinking Water
An Acetylcholinesterase-inspired Biomimetic Toxicity Sensor
The Zhao Lab develops novel polymericbiomaterials for various biomedicalapplications, with emphasis on drug deliveryand tissue engineering. The projects aredriven by developing new technologies forthe treatment of specific diseases.
Cancer pain is extremely prevalent, with millions of patients in the USalone. At present, the management of severe cancer pain generallyincludes the use of morphine and other opiates. This can often result inundesirable side effects, and treatment with this type of medication is notalways effective - one in four patients using opioids to manage cancer-pain fails opioid therapy. There is a need for new therapeutic approachesfor the management of moderate or severe cancer pain.
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin that blocks voltage-gatedsodium channels on the cell surface. TTX is 3000 times more potentanalgesic than morphine without the opioid-like side effects. However,the principal reason that TTX has not achieved clinical use despite theirgreat potency is concern over their associated systemic toxicity. TTXtoxicity causes neural blockade and muscular weakness resulting indiaphragmatic paralysis leading to respiratory arrest and death. Thesevere systemic toxicity limits the dosing of TTX, and therefore limits themaximal duration of analgesic effects achievable.
The primary objective of Zhao’s research is to use materials-basedapproaches to address the limitations imposed by the toxicity of TTX, andto move toward clinical translation of TTX for the cancer pain treatment.
Other projects in Zhao lab include the development of polymeric vectorsfor gene therapy, and biomimetic scaffolds to enhance delivery of stemcells for cardiac repair.
Chao ZhaoAssistant ProfessorPh.D. Chemical EngineeringThe University of Akron, 2013
Recent Publications
1.Q. Liu, C. Santamaria, T. Wei, C. Zhao,T. Ji, T. Yang, A. Shomorony, B. Wang,D. Kohane, Hollow silica nanoparticlespenetrate peripheral nerve andenhance nerve blockade fromtetrodotoxin, Nano Letters 18, 32-37(2018).
2. J. Hu, Y. Wang, J. Jiao, Z. Liu, C. Zhao,Z. Zhou, Z. Zhang, K. Forde, L. Wang, J.Wang, D. Baylink, X. Zhang, S. Gao, B.Yang, Y.E. Chen, P.X. Ma, Patient-specific cardiovascular progenitorcells derived from integration-freeinduced pluripotent stem cells forvascular tissue regeneration,Biomaterials 73, 51-59 (2015).
3. C. Zhao, J. Zhao, X. Li, J. Wu, S. Chen,Q. Chen, X. Gong, L. Li and J. Zheng,Probing structure-antifouling activityrelationships of polyacrylamides andpolyacrylates, Biomaterials 34, 4714-4724 (2013).
Chao ZhaoPolymers, Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, Tissue Engineering
[email protected] ◦ (205) 348-9577
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
The University of Alabama 360 H. M. Comer
245 7 t h Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
205-348-6455
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
The University of Alabama
Box 870203
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
205-348-6455
