Improving Treatment and Prevention 

by developing smart polymeric biomaterials for controlled drug delivery and tissue repair

Dr. Tomoko Fujiwara
Professor of Chemistry
Professor of Biomedical Engineering
SM409 Chemistry Department 
tfjiwara@memphis.edu 
(901) 678-5558
Fujiwara Research Group HP

Research interests: Dr. Fujiwara's research focuses on the design of polymer structures and self-assembled architectures responsible for various properties of biomaterials. In addition, imparting stimuli-responsiveness allows materials to be used in smart ways in drug delivery and other therapies.

Education:    
B.S., Chemistry, Kyoto Instituto of Technology, Kyoto, Japan, 1997
M.S., Polymer Science and Engineering, Kyoto Instituto of Technology, Kyoto, Japan, 1999
Internship, Chemistry, Polytechnic Institute of NYU, NYC, NY, 1999
PhD, Polymer Science and Engineering, Kyoto Instituto of Technology, Kyoto, Japan, 2001

Brief Research Summary:
Dr. Fujiwara has a broad background in polymer science and engineering, with specific training and expertise in polymer synthesis, characterization, nanofabrication, and analysis of the structure and properties of biomaterials. Her direct contribution to the health sciences is development of drug delivery systems using tailored biodegradable and biocompatible polymers. She has designed polymeric micelles that effective encapsulate one or more therapeutic agents and established crosslinked micelle-hydrogel systems for sustained drug and gene delivery. She used biocompatible chemical method to stabilize materials and conjugate drugs, metals, and proteins. She has also developed stimuli-sensitive smart systems with synthetic and biopolymers for biomedical applications. She collaborates with BME research groups to evaluate polymeric systems in vitro and in vivo. She has co-authored 80 peer-reviewed journal articles, 8 book chapters, and over 200 conference presentations. She has mentored 16 graduate students and over 30 undergraduate students and has worked closely with many graduate students in Dr. Bumgardner and Dr. Jennings groups.

Publications: 
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=J7u-DKcAAAAJ&hl=en