The BPAL (Biomaterials Processing & Application Lab) focuses on developing biomaterial-based devices for their various applications in medicine, such as micro- and nano-particles and implantable devices for drug delivery, and medical device combination product.

In this lab, biocompatible/biodegradable polymers are processed with novel methods to form nanoparticles and microparticles. These particles are loaded with various types of drugs, depending on their specific purposes in clinical practice.

The lab is especially interested in custom-shaped implantable devices for drug delivery, i.e., the devices structured with precise dimension, geometry or internal porosity, to realize highly accurate, directional and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, hence further improvement in therapy.

The research interest also includes development of medical device combination products, (e.g., drug-eluting surgical suture or breast implant) to locally reduce side effects following implantation of the devices.

In addition, diagnostic devices, (e.g., tear-glucose sensing strips) to satisfy unmet needs of the medical devices market with innovative techniques.