We are an interdisciplinary team of researchers comprising of chemistry, engineers, biologists, material scientists, and clinicians striving to solve pressing biomedical problems and innovate technologies. Through a series of “why”, “how”, and “so what’, we have uncovered new insights that have driven the development of innovative approaches and technologies. Some examples include the: “3D porous bone scaffolds with tunable physicochemical and mechanical properties ”, “self-healing hydrogels”, “3D Bio printed scaffolds with self-repairing tissue ability”, etc. The Sharma group carries out research in the following areas: (1) Smart Biomaterials and interfaces, with a focus on the design and development of synthetic/natural biomaterials for applications in soft/hard tissue engineering and drug delivery; (2) The goal of regeneration is to improve overall health and vitality by addressing age-related changes in tissue function, healing ability, and pain susceptibility. Our interest in biomaterials ranges from the design and development of synthetic analogues of ECM to medical devices to stimuli-responsive systems. We also use these engineered materials to deliver cells and promote their in-vitro/in-vivo integration and/or activate endogenous tissue repair.

Functional decline of tissues and organs and increased risk of complications are key characteristics of ageing. “Rejuvenating” interventions have been touted as a potential strategy to address age-associated complications and promote “healthy” aging.  We are interested in understanding age-related changes in musculoskeletal tissues (bone and cartilage) such as compromised fracture healing and osteoarthritis. Our research also focuses on developing technologies to address this age-associated tissue degeneration and compromised healing. Another aspect of ageing is tissue degeneration, which is often associated with pain. Pain is not only associated with ageing; it is a debilitating symptom of many diseases and injuries and experienced by all and across all age groups.