Dr. Ipsita Banerjee
Assistant Professor
Office: JMH 612
Email: banerjee@fordham.edu
tel: 718-817-4445
fax: 718-817-4432
Our laboratory is interested in the study of molecular self-assembly and supramolecular nanostructures formed from newly synthesized peptide amphiphiles. The objective of this research is to understand important fundamental aspects of the surface chemistry associated in the growth and development of such systems and investigate the effect of charge, surface stoichiometry, and binding interactions for the development of novel biomaterials and biosensors.
Research Interests
Wound Healing Materials and Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
Ceramic materials such as alumina, titania, hydroxyapatite are biocompatible and have numereous orthopedic and dental applications. Recently glass-ceramics have been shown to enhance formulation of new bone-mineralized matrix. For further improving the bone regeneration process, the design of biomaterials with surface properties similar to physiological bone would greatly enhance the formation of bone at the tissue/biomaterial interface and thus improve orthopaedic implant efficacy. We are working on development of new ceramic nanocomposites and examining their biocompatibility in vitro.
Catalysis and Sensors
We are studying the growth of semiconducting nanoparticles such as tinoxide under mild conditions in the presence of proteins to control the size and shape of the nanoparticles. We have recently grown nanoparticles of about 5 -10 nm in diameter. Such materials can be used in a range of applications that include gas sensing and catalysis.Investigating new bioengineering routes for the preparation of metal oxide nanoparticles and porous materials. The aim of this research is to develop new materials with tailored properties where in the shape, size, porosity and BET surface area can be controlled.
Protein Folding Dynamics at Biomimetic Surfaces
Misfolding of peptides are responsible for denaturation and accumulation of amlyoid deposits leading to diseases such as dementia Alzheimer's and Parkinsons. We are studying the peptide folding dynamics of several related peptides at surfaces in order to shed light into the mechanism of formation of fibrillar tangles and their unfolding.
