In vivo, cells are organized in complex tissue architecture with various extracellular matrix (ECM) and cellular signals governing cell behavior. I am interested in developing in vitro models of tissue that mimic this 3 dimensional arrangement of ECM and different cell types. These models offer the potential of capturing the complex signaling environment found in vivo and thus provide more physiologically relevant systems for investigating tissue physiology and pathophysiology. Currently, I am working on the development of coculture model of hepatic tissue that mimics the sinusoid structure found in the liver. This in vitro model is being used for evaluating the role of cell-cell signaling and cell-ECM interactions in a variety of physiologically relevant settings including maintenance of hepatocytes differentiated function, ischemia- reperfusion injury, and inflammation.

In this presentation, I will also briefly describe my doctoral work that included patterning of polymers in the microfluidic channels; and on chip electrochromatography using sol-gel immobilized stationary phase particles.