Expertise
Soft materials. Interfacial chemistry. Biomolecular materials. Polymer microgel particle. Block copolymers nanocomposites. Self-assembly. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Hydrogels. Inorganic nanomaterials. Material properties of hair.

Instrumentation
Fluorescent Microscopy, Confocal Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, Potentiometric Titration and Drop Counter, UV-Vis, FTIR, HPLC, Nano Drop, Centrifuges, PCR, Flow Cytometry, and NMR

Background & Research Interest
Dr. Gaines’s research is themed around designing and characterizing the surface chemical properties of synthetic and natural polymer systems. They will be used to develop multifunctional biomaterial substrates for regenerative medicine, cancer treatment, and personal care products. The goals of the Gaines Lab are achieved by marrying Polymer Synthesis, Materials Science, Cell Biology & Spectroscopy.