In last one decade (2002-2012), our research largely focuses on the structural ceramics for tribological and biomedical applications. The most recent contribution attempts to bridge the gap between Materials Science and Biological Sciences in order to develop new biomaterials as well as to emerge with an improved understanding of various aspects of cell-material interactions at various length scales. The questions, that are broadly being addressed in our research include, a) How to develop Hydroxyapatite (HA)-based composites with enhanced toughness / strength property?, b) How to develop HA-based biomaterials with tailored cytocompatibility and bactericidal property?, c) How to enhance the conductivity property of HA-based materials?, d) How to optimize the electric field for enhanced cell proliferation on biomaterial substrates?, e) can the magnetic field cause bactericidal effect in vitro?

In a recent research program, we developed electrospun carbon fibrous scaffolds for peripheral nerve regeneration as well as PLGA-CNF biocomposites for cardiac patch applications. Another major issue in the biomaterials research is the toxicity of nanoparticles at both cellular and genomic level. We address this issue in various cell types, like human fetal osteoblast cells (hFOB) and Schwann cells using standard molecular biology technique, fluorescent activated cell sorter/flow cytometry analysis. We also use flow cytomteric analysis to quantify cell proliferation, cell cycle as well as ROS generation of hFOB and Schwann cells after growing on HA-based biocomposite/carbon based materials. The changes in gene expression for various bone cell specific genes in sub-micron sized eluate treated osteoblast-like cells were investigated using reverse transcryptage-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In another research program, DNA damage in bioceramic eluate treated biological cells is investigated using single cell gel electrophoresis and micronucleus assay. As part of the translational research on biomaterials, the implantation experiments in rabbit femur at All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi and Sree Chitra Institute of Medical Sciences, Trivandrum establishes good in vivo biocompatibility of the HA-Mullite and HDPE-Al₂O₃-HA biocomposites.