Dhiraj Kumar

Dhiraj Kumar is a Research Assistant Professor in Basic Sciences at the University of Minnesota, specializing in nanotherapeutics and nanotheranostics for personalized medicine. His research focuses on engineering nano/biomaterials and surface chemistry for various biomedical applications, with particular emphasis on polymeric and metallic/metal oxide nanoparticles for cancer targeting, drug/molecular delivery, tissue engineering, bone regeneration, diagnostics, and dental applications.

Education:

• PhD in Co-functionalized gold nanoparticles for drug delivery application from Ulster University (2009-2012, awarded May 6, 2013)
• Masters in Nanobiotechnology from Amity University (2007-2009)
• MSc in Physical Chemistry from Delhi University (2004-2006)
• BS in Chemistry Honors from Hindu College, Delhi University (2001-2004)

Research Interests:

Dr. Kumar's research centers on developing and understanding nano/biomaterials for personalized medicine. His work spans nanotherapeutics and nanotheranostics, with a focus on engineering polymeric and metallic/metal oxide nanoparticles for cancer targeting, drug/molecular delivery, tissue engineering, bone regeneration, diagnostics, and dental applications. His fingerprint analysis shows strong expertise in nanoparticles (100%), gold nanoparticles (95%), surface science (65%), ethylene glycol (63%), ethyl methacrylate (61%), and photon-counting CT (50%). He investigates the properties of these materials and engineers their surface chemistry to optimize biomedical performance.

Publication Trends:

Dr. Kumar's recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on dental applications of nanotechnology, with significant work on gold nanoparticles for imaging and cancer targeting. His research shows increasing emphasis on phosphate metabolism in dental caries, antimicrobial solutions for oral pathogens, and smart biomaterials for dental and orthopedic implants. The integration of spectral CT imaging with nanotheranostics represents a cutting-edge direction in his work, particularly for cancer detection and treatment monitoring.

Projects and Grants:

• The Unrecognized Role of Phosphate-accumulating Bacteria (2021-2024) - as Researcher
• Novel Polymer Matrix for Dental Application Phase II (2018-2021) - as Researcher

Collaborations:

Dr. Kumar maintains extensive collaborations, particularly with Robert S. Jones (PI on multiple projects), Isha Mutreja, and other researchers in dental materials, nanotechnology, and biomedical imaging. His work shows strong connections between dental applications and cancer nanotheranostics, bridging these seemingly disparate fields through common nanomaterial platforms.