Alyssa Panitch

Alyssa Panitch is an esteemed Adjunct Professor of Biomedical Engineering at UC Davis, renowned for her pioneering research in the field of biomimetic scaffolds. Her work primarily focuses on promoting stem cell differentiation for cartilage engineering, a critical area in regenerative medicine. Additionally, she is deeply involved in exploring proteoglycan mimetics as innovative treatments for osteoarthritis, aiming to provide relief and improved quality of life for patients suffering from this debilitating condition. Professor Panitch's research is characterized by its interdisciplinary nature, bridging the gap between bioengineering and clinical applications. She is actively engaged in bioengineering training programs that focus on diabetes research, contributing to the development of new therapeutic strategies. Her efforts extend to enhancing the efficacy of drug-eluting stents, which are vital in preventing restenosis in cardiovascular interventions. Throughout her career, Panitch has contributed significantly to the scientific community with numerous publications. Her work on thermosensitive polymeric nanoparticles for drug co-encapsulation has opened new avenues in targeted drug delivery systems. She has also made strides in developing conductive microgel annealed scaffolds, which hold promise for enhancing the myogenic potential in tissue engineering applications. In the realm of cancer treatment, Panitch has been instrumental in advancing the use of collagen-binding nanoparticles for paclitaxel encapsulation, specifically targeting breast cancer. Her innovative approach aims to improve the delivery and efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents, potentially reducing side effects and improving patient outcomes. Moreover, her research extends to the development of chitosan hydrogels with MK2 inhibitor peptide-loaded nanoparticles, a novel approach for treating atopic dermatitis. This work underscores her commitment to addressing a wide range of medical challenges through bioengineering solutions. Panitch is also involved in creating bio-instructive parylene-based conformal coatings, designed to suppress thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia in implantable vascular devices, further showcasing her dedication to improving medical device performance and patient safety.