Mathumai Kanapathipillai

Dr. Mathumai Kanapathipillai is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, part of the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Her research focuses on programmable nanotheranostics, polymer chemistry, biomineralization, tissue engineering, and protein engineering. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biological Engineering from Iowa State University, an MSc from Arizona State University, and a BSc from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Postdoctoral training included roles at Boston Children’s Hospital and the Wyss Institute at Harvard.

Her work emphasizes drug delivery systems and nanoformulations for treating diseases like cancer, stroke, and neurodegenerative conditions. Recent grants include NIH-funded projects on mechanosensitive nanoformulations and an AHA grant targeting oxidative stress in NETosis. Key collaborations involve developing shear-activated nanoparticles and exosome-based therapies.

Research highlights include ultrasound-responsive amyloid depots, thrombolytic nanoformulations, and exosome-coated drug carriers. Her articles span journals like Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, Nature Communications, and Biomaterials, reflecting expertise in nanotechnology and biomedical applications.