Dr. Prabaha Sikder’s research sits at the crossroads of biomaterials, advanced manufacturing, and regenerative medicine, with the mission of developing next-generation solutions to restore lost or damaged bone and muscle. Traumatic injuries from high-impact accidents, severe falls, or acts of violence such as gunshot wounds often leave civilians with irreparable damage to the bone and muscle that the body cannot heal on its own. Such injuries are even more prevalent among military personnel, who are often exposed to high-impact explosions that can result in the devastating loss of large volumes of muscle. To address this critical need, Dr. Sikder’s lab designs transformative therapies using smart biomaterials and 3D-printed implants that not only replicate the body’s natural anatomy but also actively communicate with biological signals. By doing so, his team aims to accelerate the regeneration of muscle, bone, and connective tissues, offering new hope for patients facing devastating musculoskeletal injuries.

Dr. Sikder’s research has been consistently recognized and supported by federal and state funding agencies. Among his current projects, one of the most notable is an NIH-NIDCR–funded R01 focused on creating the next generation of bioactive, antibacterial, patient-specific dental implants. These implants are designed to accelerate bone integration while preventing infections, ultimately improving the quality of life for millions who depend on dental prosthetics.

In another NIH-NIAMS–supported R01 project, Dr. Sikder and his team are developing an electroactive, cell-laden bioprinted implant – an intelligent, implantable “biorobot” capable of expediting skeletal muscle regeneration and restoring function. This technology is aimed at individuals suffering from traumatic injuries such as volumetric muscle loss and compound fractures resulting from vehicle accidents or gunshot wounds.