D. Awanthi De Silva

Papers

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About

Dr. D. Awanthi De Silva is a materials scientist whose research centers on the design and characterization of advanced hydrogels for biomedical and soft robotic applications. Her most cited work investigates the degradation behavior of ionic-covalent entanglement (ICE) hydrogels—a novel class of robust, hybrid materials that combine ionic and covalent crosslinks to achieve exceptional mechanical strength. In her 2014 study, cited 18 times, she systematically examined how gellan gum/polyacrylamide ICE hydrogels degrade in phosphate-buffered saline and enzymatic solutions, providing critical insights into their long-term stability and biocompatibility. This foundational research has informed the development of durable, tunable hydrogels for tissue engineering scaffolds and soft actuators. Dr. De Silva’s contributions are particularly notable for bridging polymer chemistry and bioengineering, offering a pathway to materials that can withstand physiological stresses while maintaining structural integrity. Her work continues to influence the design of next-generation smart hydrogels, making her a key figure in the evolution of robust, functional biomaterials for emerging technologies.