Research Summary
The Reineke research group is focused on enabling fundamental scientific and applied technology advancements in three areas: 1) the design of polymer-based delivery systems that encapsulate DNA and RNA for genetic disease treatments, 2) the development of polymer-based delivery systems for enhancing oral delivery of important peptides and drugs, and 3) the creation of sustainable and environmentally friendly polymers/plastics from naturally occurring chemicals derived from plants. Studies in these areas are centered both on novel polymer synthesis, understanding the fundamental mechanisms involved in polymer function, and applied use of our materials for advanced material/biomaterial function. Our research is highly interdisciplinary and collaborative with numerous groups in chemistry, engineering, and medicine.