We focus on the development and optimization of efficient processing methods for isolation of nanoreinforcements from biomass and bioresidues. Eg, isolation strategies for nanocrystals and nanofibers based on cellulose, chitin and collagen were developed successfully. Wood resources/residues, bamboo, natural fibers, sugar cane bagasse, Prosopis juliflora(mesquite) crab shell residue, etc. We also work with surface  modifications (anionic, cationic, zwitter ionic, polymer grafts, phosphorylated, cationic) etc. with an aim to enhance fibrillation and/or add functionality to the nanomaterial..

In recent years, nanocelluloses functioning as nanobioadsorbents have garnered considerable attention for the remediation of heavy metal ions due to their advantages of both facilitating biosorption and being nanosized. In addition, the inherent fibrous nature and easily functionalizable surface of nanocellulose, coupled with its hydrophilic properties, low cost, excellent mechanical properties, nontoxicity and sustainable source, provide a huge potential for its use as a functional component of water filters or filtration membranes. We previously reported that the sorption capacities of Ag+, Cu2+ and Fe3+ onto native cellulose nanocrystals are higher than those of cellulose nanofibers (56 mg/g, 19 mg/g and 6 mg/g, respectively). Inclusion of metal-binding groups, such as carboxylate, phosphate and amine groups, onto the surface of cellulose nanofibers for biosorption can increase the metal removal capacity remarkably. We study the adsorption capacity, adsorption mechanisms, and  self assembly on adsorbed entities on nanocellulose and its hybrids.

Electrospinning is the most popular technology for fabrication of fibers in micron to nano scale due to its simplicity cost effectiveness, flexibility, scale-up potential. It is well established that cellulose nanocrystals with different surface groups as hydroxyl, sulphonic or carboxyl groups can be obtained depending on the isolation route used. Our recent research successfully prepared reinforced electrospun fibers with 50 wt% nanocrystals and showed that the spinnability and fiber characteristics were affected significantly by the surface characteristics of the used nanocrystals. Electrospinning using cellulose nanocrystal based fibers provide several potential advantages including i) reinforcing effect  for electrospun fibers which are inherently weak ii) orientation of nanocrystals under the influence of electric field iii) self assembling of nanocrystals under the influence of electric field iv) introduction of functional properties for the fibers and the fiber mats depending on the surface characteristics of the used nanocrystals. Nanocellulose coated electrospun polymers was highly promising as water purification membranes. The use of electrospun nanocomposites in medical application was also developed.

On this topic we focus on surface characteristics of nanocellulose and nanochitin nanocrystals and understand their potential in membranes/filters for selective adsorption of harmful chemicals from water/air. Some of the factors which make this study unique and interesting are the following. We have developed know-how on surface potential and properties of biobased nanoparticles and its interaction with various metal ions, dyes, nitrates, proteins, DNA, hormones, antibiotics etc. This research till date have added tremendously to the scientific know-how to utilize biobased nanomaterials for water cleaning for the group and also in the research community around the globe.

Nanocrystals and nanofibers based on cellulose, chitin, collagen etc have inherent properties like low toxicity, biocompatibility, biodegradability together with excellent mechanical properties and/or thermal stability which makes these nanoreinforments interesting candidates in biomedical applications. Our studies in this  research area indicated possibility to be used successfully as artificial ligaments and tendons, wound care materials, cartilage  regeneration etc  For eg. cellulose nanocrystal based nanocomposites developed by in-situ crosslinking with a hydrophilic matrix have resulted in hydrogels capable of taking up moisture as high as 900% of its original weight. These materials may have potential application in products for burn healing or controlled release of drugs. Chitin based nanofiber mats developed by electrospinning with potential application in wound dressing/burn healing was reported recently. Porous scaffolds for cartilage regeneration was also developed where biopolymers reinforced with nanocellulose have shown tremendous potential. We currently develop porous scaffolds for  medical application via 3D printing of  biobased inks.

This ongoing research deals morphology studies of nanoparticles and nanostrctured materials. Measurements in air as well as liquid medium is developed in the group. We also work on understanding the surface functionality and specific interactions of nanocellulose with external entities as metal ions, dyes, DNA, protiens, polymer chains etc through colloidal probe (AFM) and advanced spectroscopy methods supported with DFT modelling . The aim is to gain deeper understanding into the surface properties of nanoparticles and exploit its potential as biobased functional entity. We work with Peak Force QNM mode to map mechanicalproperties of nanostructures in dry and wet conditions.