Grunlan, Melissa Professor

Prof. Grunlan's research is focused on the development of polymeric biomaterials for medical devices having resistance to biological adhesion and for implantable scaffolds used in regenerative engineering. The unique properties of these biomaterials afford the opportunity to overcome barriers associated with treating various diseases and medical conditions. Specifically, her research has focused on materials for implanted glucose biosensor membranes [to extend sensor lifetime], hemodialysis catheters [to reduce clotting and infection rates], self-fitting tissue scaffolds [to heal bone defects due to injury, tumor resection or congenital birth defect] and cartilage resurfacing [as an alternative to total joint replacement].