CHEMICAL AND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Education

• Postdoctoral Fellow, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2022-2023

• Ph.D. Materials Science and Engineering, Colorado State University, 2021

• B.S. Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil, 2014

Research Areas

• Biomaterials, Surface Science, Tissue Engineering, Nanomaterials, Biosensors 

Research Interests

My research focuses on the development of multifunctional materials for biomedical applications, particularly in the cardiovascular and orthopedic fields. This encompasses the design of novel nanostructured and biomimetic surfaces to enhance cellular and subcellular functions. Through these designs, we aim to improve the blood compatibility and biocompatibility of materials, while also promoting osteogenic activity and reducing the risk of bacterial infection. Furthermore, we are exploring the development of biomaterials that not only enhance interaction with the surrounding tissue but also have the capability to sense their local environment. My overarching goal is to elucidate the mechanisms behind tissue-biomaterial interaction and leverage this knowledge to create implants with superior performance, thereby preventing device failure.

Selected Publications

• Sutherland, D., Rather, A., Sabino, R. M., Vallabhuneni, S., Wang, W., Popat, K. C. & Kota A. K. “Hemp-Based Sustainable Slippery Surfaces: Icephobic and Antithrombotic Properties”, ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 11(6), 2397-2403 (2023).
• Sabino, R. M., Kipper, M. J., Martins, A. F., & Popat, K. C. “Improved In Vitro Endothelialization on Nanostructured Titania with Tannin/glycosaminoglycan-based Polyelectrolyte Multilayers”, In Vitro Models, 1, 249-259 (2022).
• Sabino, R. M., Rau; J. V., Bonis, A. D., Stefanis, A., Curcio M., Teghil, R., & Popat, K. C. “Manganese-containing Bioactive Glass Enhances Osteogenic Activity of TiO2 Nanotube Arrays”, Applied Surface Science, 570, 151163 (2021).
• Sabino, R. M., Mondini, G., Kipper, M. J., Martins, A. F., & Popat, K. C. “Tanfloc/heparin polyelectrolyte multilayers improve osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells on titania nanotube surfaces”, Carbohydrate Polymers, 251, 117079 (2021).
• de Almeida, D. A., Sabino, R. M., Souza, P. R., Bonafé, E. G., Venter, S. A., Popat, K. C., & Monteiro, J. P. “Pectin-capped gold nanoparticles synthesis in-situ for producing durable, cytocompatible, and superabsorbent hydrogel composites with chitosan”, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 147, 138-149 (2020).