The underlying theme of the Appel Lab at Stanford University integrates concepts and approaches from supramolecular chemistry, natural/synthetic materials, and biology. We aim to develop supramolecular biomaterials that exploit a diverse design toolbox and take advantage of the beautiful synergism between physical properties, aesthetics, and low energy consumption typical of natural systems. Our vision is to use these materials to solve fundamental biological questions and to engineer advanced healthcare solutions.

Surf Bio is translating a breakthrough drug stabilization technology developed in the Appel Lab at Stanford University to dramatically improve drug delivery of protein biologics, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines. With strong proof of concept lab data in hand, Surf Bio is in the pre-clinical, IND-enabling stage with a first-in-human trial targeted for the near future.

LaderaTECH was launched to commercialize the novel wildfire prevention technology developed in the Appel lab at Stanford University. LaderaTECH was awarded the Department of Energy’s NREL Best Venture Prize in April 2020 for the development of FORTIFY , which can be deployed at ignition hotspots to provide a protective barrier against ignitions for the entire duration of a fire season, thereby preventing many wildfires from starting in the first place. In May 2020, LaderaTECH was acquired by Perimeter Solutions, the world leader in fire safety chemicals.

Alongside Professor Robert S. Langer in the David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research I worked towards elucidating the role of mechanical cues from stimuli-responsive and mechanically adaptive substrates in pluripotent stem cell fate decisions. I also focused on the development of dynamic and adaptive scaffolds for tissue engineering applications utilizing the concepts of supramolecular chemistry.

Under the direction of Oren A. Scherman in the Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis in the Department of Chemistry I worked on the development of stimuli-responsive and self-healing injectable hydrogels for sustained delivery of therapeutics. My PhD focused on combing synthetic polymer chemistry with the concepts of supramolecular chemistry to understand and manipulate hierarchically self-assembled systems for important applications.

Under the direction of Robert D. Miller and James L. Hedrick I worked on the development of biodegradable and biocompatible polymeric systems utilizing organocatalytic synthesis for controlled drug delivery applications at the IBM Almaden Research Center.