Functional graphenic materials and polymers to improve human health
Associate Professor Stefanie Sydlik
Carnegie Mellon University
The Sydlik group at Carnegie Mellon is developing novel strategies to address unmet medical needs through the rational design of functional graphenic materials (FGMs) and polymers. FGMs are created through covalent chemical modification of graphene oxide and have proven to be biocompatible, modular, and highly tailorable. We are currently investigating the long-term degradation, bio-, and eco-compatibility of graphene oxide and its derivatives, with the goal of understanding their behavior in biological and environmental contexts. We have recently developed Mitsunobu chemistry-based strategies to conjugate signaling molecules and small molecules to the basal plane of FGMs, creating new bone-regenerative scaffolds with enhanced bioactivity and mechanical integrity. We are also developing multifunctional bone cements that combine graphenic reinforcement with antimicrobial or bioactive release to prevent infection and support healing. Together, these efforts demonstrate the versatility of FGMs and engineered polymers to solve diverse problems at the interface of chemistry, materials science, and human health.
