Fahed Albreiki

 About Fahed

• Advisor: Samanvaya Srivastava
• Department: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
• Campus: UCLA
• BioPACIFIC MIP Research: SET 3 - Functional Biomimics

 What is your research focus?

My research focus is developing polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) hydrogels that can be used as 3D printing inks and adhesives from simple charge-driven assemblies. The formation of these materials from electrostatic self-assembly of block polyelectrolytes, that are akin to biomolecular assemblies, aligns well with SET 3 and the broader BioPACIFIC MIP mission. I have utilized PEC hydrogels as scaffolds for cross-linkable polymer solutions to improve their printability and wet adhesive properties for applications in biomedicine, and I conducted extrusion-based 3D printability assessments using the Cellink BIOX 3D printer in the BioPACIFIC MIP facility at UCSB and showed that PEC hydrogels can be used to build complex shapes. However, the adhesive properties of PEC hydrogels, which is relevant for their stability as sealants and 3D objects, remains to be investigated. In learning more about the facilities at BioPACIFIC MIP, I am foreseeing that multi-indenter (Optics11 Pavone) will be helpful in screening the adhesive performance of PEC hydrogels. This will give me the opportunity to study the influence of parameters such as polymer concentration and molecular weight on the adhesion of PEC hydrogels in an automated fashion. In my future work, I am also interested in utilizing ChemSpeed technology to synthesize a library of block polyelectrolytes that will form PEC hydrogels with precisely tunable mechanical properties. I also aim to engage in close discussions with other BioPACIFIC MIP members and form collaborations to gain deeper insights on my materials and learn about other technologies that will allow me to advance my research.

 What excites you about NSF BioPACIFIC MIP?

I am thrilled to join the BioPACIFIC MIP as a Fellow and collaborate with the distinguished students and faculty across UCSB and UCLA campuses. The access to cutting-edge technologies, extensive databases, and valuable resources within the BioPACIFIC MIP ecosystem is a significant opportunity to broaden my perspective as a researcher and advance my career. My primary interest lies in enhancing my technical skills as both a researcher and an engineer, particularly in the areas of automation and high-throughput characterizations developed within the program. Additionally, I am confident that being a BioPACIFIC MIP Fellow will foster my professional and personal growth through networking with other researchers at conferences and events. Having attended SET 3 meetings, I am deeply inspired by the collaborative spirit and the remarkable research efforts exhibited by everyone. I am honored by the opportunity to contribute to the program’s mission as a BioPACIFIC MIP Fellow.