We have designed angiogenic and myogenic scaffolds that can help regenerate vasculature and muscle in ischemic (low-blood flow) sites in peripheral tissue (PAD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Root canal therapy treats the infected dental pulp by replacing it with tiny rubber rods such as Gutta Percha, but this also effectively kills the remaining tooth. At the end, the tooth loses all ability to maintain itself. We address this problem by developing a material based strategy to help regenerate living dental pulp after a root canal. This will be investigated by injecting a self-assembling peptide based hydrogel with the necessary material and biological properties to regenerate the pulp like tissue in the dental canal. 

Tissue engineered scaffolds with intrinsic angiogenic and anti-microbial activity may hold promise in treating and helping hasten the healing of infected diabetic wounds as functinoalized wound filling hydrogels - notorious for refractory healing, necrosis and eventual limb salvage.

During diabetes fractured bones heal poorly. We have developed grwoth factor mimics and delivery platforms to help enhance diabetic wound healing in rodent models.

Retinal neovascularization leads to blindness, as vessels from the choroid and the rupture of Bruch’s membrane cause macular damage and degeneration. By injecting an anti-angiogenic scaffold, proliferative vessels are restricted from causing vision loss. 

Advances in computing and microscopy have allow molecular targets and cognate structures to be designed, prototype and evaluated for MCP-1, Sigma-2, VEGFR, SARS-CoV-2 binding.

The opioid epidemic has been a rising public health concern for the past 20 years. We work on extended release Nalxone formulations and novel Sigma-2 opioid receptor binders.

Diabetes impacts wound and fracture healing. This is especially significant in our aging population and requires directed strategies to enhance healing. We are exploring the release of small molecules to help enhance fracture healing in hyperglycemic states.

Approximately 8.5M Americans and 250M worldwide suffer from peripheral artery disease (PAD). While treatment to manage symptoms exist, there is no FDA-approved therapy to improve microvascular circulation. In this proposal, we will test the efficacy of cupping therapy to treat symptomatic claudication in PAD and develop and use a gait-based diagnostic scale to monitor the progression during the treatment. 

Working with collaborators at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, KumarLab has engineered an electric toothbrush with on-board suction incorporated into the brushing head. 

When cartilage is damaged, whether by injury or regular wear and tear, the avascular nature of many cartilage deposits makes it difficult for your body to a) remove the damaged tissue, and b) repair the damage with healthy tissue. We aim to encourage vascularization and small molecule release from our gels to promote cartilage regeneration.

Peptide synthesis is a key strategy to make drugs quickly for potential therapeutic use. Synthesizers are large and bulky - we're trying to make a smaller one

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