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 developing multifunctional materials for biomedical applications, especially in the cardiovascualar and orthopedic fields. Our work includes designing implant coatings that prevent infection, promote tissue regeneration, and enhance blood compatibility. We are also investigating biopolymers derived from sustainable sources for their potential in biomedical applications. In addition, we are exploring smart biomaterials that not only interact effectively with surrounding tissue but also have the capability to sense their local enviornment. Our goal is to deepen our understanding of tissue-biomaterial interactions and use that insight to design more reliable implants that reduce desvice failure and improve 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

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).

* Authors contributed equally

Honors and Awards

  • School of Computing Faculty Fellow Award, University of Wyoming (2024)
  • 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)
  • WILEY Top Cited Artical 2020-2021 (2022)
  • Selected Participant Princeton Pathway into the Academy Program, Princeton University (2021)
  • STAR Award, Society for Biomaterials (2021)
  • Professional Development Award, Colorado State University (2020)
  • School of Advanced Materials Discovery Travel Award (2020)