By Dave DeFusco

Three Ph.D. students from UNC-Chapel Hill won best presentation awards at the 2024 APS Research Symposium for their high caliber work in biomimetic materials, hemodialysis membrane technology, and bioelectronics.

“Their success not only highlights the high caliber of research at UNC,” said Dr. Nicolas Pégard, associate professor of applied physical sciences, “it underscores the transformative potential of their work in addressing critical challenges in healthcare and materials science.”

Maria Furukawa: Investigating Hemodialysis with Advanced Polymers 

For Maria Furukawa, a Ph.D. candidate in Theo Dingemans’ lab, the challenge of improving hemodialysis membranes is both a scientific and a personal mission. Her research focuses on an experimental polyamide, labeled DHTA, which offers several unique physiochemical properties, making it a promising material for use as a dialysis membrane.

DHTA, with its structure analogous to Kevlar, has the potential to transform the efficiency of hemodialysis membranes. In her presentation, she walked the audience through her meticulous work in optimizing the molecular weight of DHTA, fabricating ultrathin nanofilms and functionalizing the material to resist protein fouling—an issue that compromises the performance of current dialysis technologies.

Her research also has an international dimension. During a summer internship at the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research in Dresden, Germany, Furukawa collaborated with leading scientists to explore how DHTA nanofilms could be further refined for medical applications. She successfully functionalized DHTA with their protein-resistant polymer brushes, which are grafted onto the surface of the DHTA, to enhance the biocompatibility of the membranes, a critical step in ensuring their long-term functionality.

“I hope that my work will lead to membranes that are not only more efficient but also safer for patients who rely on hemodialysis,” she said. “This research is about giving people a better quality of life.”

Yihan Liu: Redefining Health Monitoring with Bioelectronics 

In Dr. Wubin Bai’s lab, Yihan Liu is exploring the intersection of materials science and bioelectronics, a field with the potential to change how we monitor and manage health. Liu’s work focuses on the development of implantable devices that integrate common medical monitoring tools, such as blood and heart rate sensors, into minimally invasive systems.

During his presentation, Liu showcased his progress in miniaturizing and integrating these devices, making them more accessible for both surgical and daily health monitoring. He also discussed his work on touchless short-range control and the design of bioelectronic devices that are both efficient and patient-friendly.

Liu’s background in materials science, including experience with graphene and conducting polymers, informs his innovative approach to device design. His work aims to address the growing demand for seamless, continuous health monitoring systems that improve patient outcomes without adding to their burden.

“My goal is to create devices that are not only effective but easy to use and minimally invasive,” he said. “Bioelectronics has the potential to change the way we think about healthcare.”

Gabrielle Mascarin: Biomimicry in Action for Lung Tissue Repair 

A member of Dr. Ronit Freeman’s lab, Gabrielle Mascarin is at the forefront of research that could redefine how we treat lung injuries. Her work focuses on using biomimetic materials—substances engineered to mimic natural biological systems—to repair damaged lung tissue. Mascarin’s approach is deeply translational, bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and real-world clinical applications.

In her presentation, Mascarin detailed her exploration of lung tissue repair dynamics, emphasizing the use of biomaterials designed to replicate the natural healing environment of the lungs. She also highlighted her efforts to develop point-of-care detection systems for emerging pathogens, a vital tool in preventing and managing future pandemics.

“Translational science is about taking what we learn in the lab and finding ways to make it meaningful for patients,” she said. “My goal is to ensure that the work we do has a direct and lasting impact on healthcare.”

The success of Furukawa, Liu and Mascarin is a testament to their dedication, creativity and scientific curiosity, and their work reflects UNC’s interdisciplinary ethos.

“These awards are a recognition of not just individual achievement but also the collaborative spirit that drives innovation,” said Dr. Pégard. “We are incredibly proud of Gabrielle, Maria and Yihan for their contributions to science and their commitment to making a difference.” 

January 17, 2025