Louisiana Tech professor, students present at 2012 Experimental Biology meeting

Several graduate and Ph.D. students at Louisiana Tech University, and Dr. David Mills, professor of biological sciences and faculty in Tech's Center for Biomedical Engineering and Rehabilitation Science, are participating in poster and platform presentations at the 2012 Experimental Biology meeting, this week in San Diego, California.

Rutuja Kulkarni, Sukreeth Challagundia, and Rohan Balkawade, who are pursuing master's degree in molecular science and nanotechnology, and Sonali Karnik and Herbert Vandenberg, who are pursuing Ph.D.s in biomedical engineering, are presenting their latest research efforts focused on the development of nanoenabled, anti-infective biomaterials, bioinstructive implants and scaffolds, and smart nanocoatings for wound healing and tissue regeneration.

Their research has shown that these materials have greater structural integrity than current products on the market and provides sustained release of any number of desired compounds loaded within halloysite nanotubes or multilayer thin films. Halloysite nanotubes are an economically viable, environmentally friendly, biocompatible "green" material which is mined from naturally occurring abundant mineral deposits.

"Experimental Biology is one of the most attended scientific meetings because of the depth and breadth of science that is presented, as well as the opportunity to merge basic and clinical sciences," said Mills. "I have the privilege to accompany a great group of young and dedicated scientists who are doing amazing research."

Mills says he is particularly excited about Balkawade's presentation. Balkawade originally submitted his abstract as a poster only, but was later contacted by Dr. Robert Marcucoi, session chair and organizer for the special symposium on Tissue Engineering, Regeneration and Repair, and asked to deliver a platform presentation at his session.

"There is significant prestige that invitations to present at these symposia sessions and the recognition that presenting a paper provides to the authors," Mills said. "I am very proud of Rohan's efforts."