Roberta Sabino

Chemical and Biomedical Engineering | Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences Program

Assistant Professor

Contact Information

(307) 766-2502rmaiasab@uwyo.edu

EERB 435D

Roberta Sabino Image

Our research focuses on the development of multifunctional materials for biomedical applications, with particular emphasis on the cardiovascular and orthopedic fields. We design implant surface coatings the integrate antimicrobial, regenerative, and hemocompatible functions to prevent infection, promote tissue integration, and improve blood compatibility, ultimately enhancing implant safety and longevity. A key area of interest is the use of plant-derived biopolymers from renewable and underutilized sources. These materials offer a sustainable alternative to commonly used animal-derived biopolymers, while also providing unique bioactive properties. We are also developing smart, nanostructured biomaterials that not only support tissue regeneration but also monitor their local biological environment in real time. These materials open new avenues for applications in diagnostics, controlled therapeutic delivery, and adaptive implant technologies. By advancing our understanding of tissue-biomaterial interactions, our goal is to develop more effective, long-lasting biomaterials that minimize implant failure and improve long-term patient outcomes.

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 Interests

  • Biomaterials and surface engineering
  • Multifunctional coatings to reduce implant failure
  • Sustainable biopolymers for medical applications
  • Nanostructured materials and biosensing

Honors and Awards

  • WY NASA Space Grant Faculty Research Award, 2025-2026
  • School of Computing Faculty Fellow Award, University of Wyoming, 2024-2025
  • Organ Design and Engineering Postdoctoral Training Program, Harvard Medical School, NIBIB, NIH, 2023
  • Surface Characterization & Modification SIG Postdoctoral Young Investigator Award, Society for Biomaterials, 2022
  • Selected Participant, Princeton Pathway into the Academy Program, Princeton University, 2021
  • STAR Award, Society for Biomaterials, 2021
  • Wiley Top Cited Article, 2020-2021

Selected Publications

  • Crouse, J., Sellers, S., Wawrousek, K., Sabino, R. M., "Biopolymers from Sugar Beet Molasses: Isolation, Characterization, and Bioactive Properties", ACS Omega, 10(12), 12002-12013 (2025).
  • Neto, G. L., Quinalia, T. R., Almeida, D. A., Madruga, L. Y., Souza, P.R., Popat, K. C., Sabino, R. M., & Martins A. F., "Surafce coating nanoarchitectonics for optimizing cytocompatibility and antimicrobial activity: The impact of hyaluronic acid positioning as the outermost layer", International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 298, 139908 (2025).
  • Sutherland, D., Rather, A., Sabino, R. M., Vallabhuneni, S., Wang, W., Popat, K. C., & Kota, A. K., "Hemp-Based Sustainable Slippery Surfaces: Icophobic 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).
  • Manivasagram, V., Sabino, R. M., Kantam, P., & Papat, K. C. "Surface Modification Strategies to Improve Titanium Hemocompatibility: A Comprehensive Review", Materials Advances, 2, 5824-5842 (2021).
  • Sabino, R. M., Rau, J. V., Bonis, A. D., Stefanis, A., Curcio, M., Teghil, R., & Popat, K. C. "Magnaese-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 Alemeida, 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).