Harinder K. Bawa is a junior undergraduate student majoring in Chemical Biology, who works with Professor Yu on Tissue Engineering research. As a freshman in the Stevens Scholars Program, Harinder became interested in Tissue Engineering research and the medical field as a whole.
Her joint work with Professor Yu involves the prevention of biofilm formation using biodegradable and biocompatible hydrogels. One of the major problems with current implant surgeries such as knee and hip replacements is a high risk of infection due to bacteria attaching to the surface of the implant prior to, or during surgery. Complications resulting from this can result in the removal of the implant and the need for further surgeries.
In order to combat this, they have designed a hydrogel that coats the implant prior to surgery, in a 3-7 minute process, that prevents the attachment of bacteria, which in turn prevents the formation of biofilm, and promotes patient integration through cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation inside the hydrogel. Antibiotics can also be incorporated with the hydrogel to provide further protection against infection. This system can be applied to various procedures such as engineered transparent patches and coating hospital equipment and attire.
Since joining Stevens, Harinder’s interest in Chemical Biology and specifically Tissue Engineering has rapidly grown. She now aspires for a future in the medical field, and perhaps even a career practicing medicine. She has enjoyed working with world class faculty such as Professor Yu, and feels that tissue engineering research “provides a great way to incorporate creative ideas and innovation to knowledge learned in the classroom for the overall improvement of the medical field.”
Her joint work with Professor Yu involves the prevention of biofilm formation using biodegradable and biocompatible hydrogels. One of the major problems with current implant surgeries such as knee and hip replacements is a high risk of infection due to bacteria attaching to the surface of the implant prior to, or during surgery. Complications resulting from this can result in the removal of the implant and the need for further surgeries.
In order to combat this, they have designed a hydrogel that coats the implant prior to surgery, in a 3-7 minute process, that prevents the attachment of bacteria, which in turn prevents the formation of biofilm, and promotes patient integration through cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation inside the hydrogel. Antibiotics can also be incorporated with the hydrogel to provide further protection against infection. This system can be applied to various procedures such as engineered transparent patches and coating hospital equipment and attire.
Since joining Stevens, Harinder’s interest in Chemical Biology and specifically Tissue Engineering has rapidly grown. She now aspires for a future in the medical field, and perhaps even a career practicing medicine. She has enjoyed working with world class faculty such as Professor Yu, and feels that tissue engineering research “provides a great way to incorporate creative ideas and innovation to knowledge learned in the classroom for the overall improvement of the medical field.”
Comments