Our Research
Natural Polymers
Our research focuses on the production of Natural Polymers using bacterial fermentation and their use in biomedical applications. I lead one of the major groups in the UK working on natural polymers, especially Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). This area of research is highly multidisciplinary involving microbiology, biochemistry, chemistry, cell biology, biomaterials, biomedical engineering and biochemical engineering.
In our Laboratory
There is considerable scientific and commercial interest in biodegradable polyesters. In my laboratory, the work on Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) As has mainly involved the production of these polymers using innovative fermentation technology and a variety of sustainable feedstock. I have pioneered the use of Gram-positive bacteria for the production of non-immunogenic PHAs. In addition to PHAs I have now begun manufacture of other natural polymers such as γ-Polyglutamic Acid, a biocompatible hydrogel especially suitable for drug delivery applications and Bacterial cellulose for tissue engineering applications.
Research Interests And Grants
The main focus of our work is the optimised production of the natural polymers using bacterial fermentation, followed by the assessment of their suitability for biomedical applications. This assessment includes biocompatibility and functional assays using relevant cell lines or primary cell types and material characterisation including chemical, mechanical and thermal characterisation. we are exploring the use of these polymers in tissue engineering for treating disease in bone, cartilage, nerve, pancreas, kidney and cardiac tissues, as well as wound healing, medical devices, controlled drug delivery and dental applications. Products under development include nerve conduits, cardiac patches, biodegradable stents, bone and cartilage replacement constructs, antimicrobial materials, drug delivery vehicles and skin replacement patches. We have published extensively in this area and currently have two large grants in these areas. Patent applications related to this work have been filed and are in the PCT phase.
See the list of publications from our group here.
Ipsita Roy
Professor of Biomaterials
Phone: +44 114 222 5962
Email: I.Roy@sheffield.ac.uk
