Maria Santore Research Group
Maria Santore Research Group
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Email:
Degree Information:
B.S. Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 1985
Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, Princeton University, 1989
Room: A417, Conte Research Center
University of Massachusetts Amherst
120 Governors Drive
Amherst, MA 01003
Research Interests:
- Discovering mechanisms for adhesion, lubrication, assembly, response, and reconfiguration in soft material systems, focusing on the dynamic interactions of polymers, biomolecules, nanoparticles, colloids, and cells
- Coupling material interactions with flow and deformation to control structures and dynamics
- Translating new interfacial mechanisms to the application-specific design of responsive / active interfacial materials
Application Areas:
Biomaterials: biomembrane mimics, targeted delivery packages, mammalian cell sorting and harvesting, functional particles, polymer hydrogel and nanoparticulate coatings, protein and mucosa interactions, bacteriocidal and antimicrobial surfaces, nonfouling surfaces, biofilm formation, microfluidic and diagnostic surfaces
Energy: sensors, reconfigurable membrane materials for energy harvesting and storage.
Traditional: inks, paints, coatings, separations media, adhesive formulations, colloidal stabilization, nanoparticlate purification, food colloids especially milk
Current Research:
Nano-patterned microparticles for cell mimics, delivery applications, separations media. We create micron-scale spheres and rods with nanoscale patterns and interactive chemical features that produce |
Stress- and curvature- responsive patterned membranes for energy applications. We direct phase transitions, morphology, and patterns of fluid and solid phases in nanometrically-thin biomimetic membranes by imposing mechanical stress and membrane curvature. |
Bacteria on soft and nano-patterned surfaces. We manipulate the interactions between bacteria and engineered materials by tuning the modulus of the substrate and arranging nanoscale interactive surface features. Using these strategies we have created catch-and-release surfaces, which selectively capture different classes of bacteria, and surfaces which rapidly kill and release bacteria. We are currently examining the impact of flow, and surface stiffness / patterns on bacterial behavior and biofilm initiation. |
Non adhesive polyzwitterion and polyethylene glycol coatings. We optimize interfacial molecular architectures to produce easily-processed, patternable, non-fouling coatings. These find use in cell capture and sensor applications. |
Aqueous phase interactions with graphene for sensor applications. We have probed colloidal- and molecular-scale features of the aqueous supported graphene interface and its interactions with blood proteins. We find that charge on the underlying support and/or ion adsorption on the graphene produces substantial electrostatic interactions on the solution side of the graphene. |
Patents and Applications
M. M. Santore, S. Kalasin, and K. Arcaro, “Sensors and Methods for Capturing Targeted Cells”
Provisional Filing, August 2014. Full Application, August 2015.
M. M. Santore and B. Fang, “Method for Capture, Killing, and Release of Bacteria”
Provisional Filing, September 2013. Full Application, September 2014.
“Nanoparticle Textured Surfaces and Related Methods for Selective Adhesion, Sensing and Separation.” U.S. Patents 8,652,640, February 18, 2014, and 8,382,858, February 26, 2013.
“Nanopatterned Surfaces and Related Methods for Selective Adhesion, Sensing and Separation.” U.S. Patents 8,117,902, February 21, 2012 and U.S. 7,752,931 B2 July 13, 2010
Honors and Distinctions:
- Grace Hopper Lecturer, University of Pennsylvania, 2015
- Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), 2012
- Fellow, American Chemical Society, 2010
- Senior Editor, Langmuir, 2006-
- Fellow, American Physical Society, 2005
- American Chemical Society, Colloid and Surface Chemistry Division, Chair, 2004-2005
- Co-Organizer, International Polyelectrolyte Meeting, 2004
- Class of '61 Chaired Associate Professorship, Lehigh University, 1998-2001
- Co-Organizer, Annual ACS Colloids Division Meeting, Lehigh University, 2000
- Visiting Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 1999-2000
- Advisor to Outstanding Student Chapter, AICHE National Award, 1999
- Alfred Noble Robinson Award, to an outstanding assistant professor, Lehigh University, 1996
- Editorial Advisory Boards - Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Langmuir, Macromolecules