Maren Roman

Maren Roman is a Professor in the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials at Virginia Tech. Her expertise spans natural and bio-based polymers, cellulose nanocrystals, and their applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and sustainable nanotechnology.

• Ph.D., State University of New York (2002)
• M.S., Clausthal University of Technology (1996)

Her research focuses on:

• Self-assembly and colloidal properties of cellulose nanocrystals
• Surface functionalization and polyelectrolyte complexation
• Cellulose-protein interactions for biomedical applications
• Enzymatic degradation in bioethanol processes

Recent publications highlight her work on:

• Nanocrystal surface chemistry and cellulase activity
• Chitosan-cellulose complexes for controlled drug release
• Nanocomposite dewatering and hydration properties
• Self-assembled cellulose films and supramolecular structures

Key grants include projects on:

• Cellulose-based oral vaccines
• Bioconjugated nanocrystals for immunotargeting
• Sustainable bioenergy feedstocks
• Advanced cellulosic composites