Author ORCID Identifier
0000-0002-9243-1275
Biosketch
Dr. Shambhavi Bagewadi obtained her Ph.D. in Bioengineering from SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, where her research focused on the design and development of injectable, in situ forming peptide nanofiber reinforced composite hydrogels for the treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Her doctoral work explored innovative approaches for retinal repair by integrating advanced biomaterial design with translational biomedical research.
She earned her Master's degree in BiochemistryfromKarnatak University, Dharwad, which provided a strong foundation in biological sciences and inspired her interdisciplinary research career. Over the course of her Ph.D., she gained extensive experience in developing functional biomaterials for a wide range of applications, including retinal, skin, nerve, and vascular tissue regeneration, as well as 3D bioprinting and hydrogel-based scaffold fabrication. Her research interests include biomaterials, tissue engineering, regenerative medicinenanobiotechnology, peptide self-assembly, drug delivery systems, and translational medicine.
Dr. Bagewadi has authored eight SCI-indexed international research publicationsand filedthree Indian patent applications, reflecting her dedication to scientific innovation and impactful research during her Ph.D. journey. Her expertise spans biomaterial synthesis and characterization, hydrogel fabrication, cell culture, in vitro and in vivo evaluations, and the development of bioengineered platforms for tissue repair.
Passionate about bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical application, Dr. Bagewadi is committed to advancing innovative healthcare solutions through interdisciplinary research, academic excellence, and mentorship. She aspires to contribute to the development of next-generation biomaterials and regenerative therapies that improve patient care and address unmet clinical challenges.
Date of Award
25-5-2026
Document Type
Thesis
School
School of Chemical & Biotechnology
Programme
Ph.D.-Doctoral of Philosophy
First Advisor
Dr.S.Anuradha
Keywords
Retinal Pigment Epithelium, Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Bruch's Membrane, In Situ Forming Hydrogels, Peptide Nanofibers
Abstract
Cell therapy for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is limited by the absence of a functional substrate such as Bruch’s membrane (BM), which is critical for retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell survival and integration. Although preformed substrates have been explored, their implantation can disrupt the fragile retinal architecture, compromise ocular immune privilege and increase infection risk. To address these limitations, an injectable hydrogel capable of forming in situ was developed. The hydrogel consists of thiol-modified hyaluronic acid (HA-SH) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Peptide nanofibers were incorporated to enhance structural reinforcement. Three self-assembling peptides - RADA-16, GAGA and GAGA-YIGSR were designed and optimized, with their biomimetic potential evaluated against decellularized Bruch’s membrane (DBM) from goat eyes.
GAGA-YIGSR-based hydrogels demonstrated properties comparable to DBM, with a fiber diameter of 92.38 ± 16.37 nm (compared to 75.09 ± 12.99 nm for DBM), a thickness of 13.43 ± 3.64 μm (versus. 6.26 ± 1.12 μm), and a hydrophilicity of 72.13° ± 2.98 (relative to 39.46° ± 0.46). Embedding peptide nanofibers within the HA-SH/PVA hydrogel improved RPE cell viability, adhesion, proliferation, phagocytic activity and RPE-specific gene expression compared to peptide-free controls. This enhancement is attributed to the bioactive cues provided by the nanofibers, which promote integrinmediated cell–matrix interactions. These interactions facilitate focal adhesion formation and trigger intracellular signaling pathways, supporting cytoskeletal organization, cell survival, and functional maturation An AMD model was established in BALB/c mice using sodium iodate.
Functional assessments showed that the HA-SH/PVA hydrogel with GAGA-YIGSR peptide significantly improved RPE cell organization compared to saline control. This was evidenced by a higher outer nuclear layer (ONL) cell nuclei density (1578.22 ± 187.03 vs. 1041.28 ± 100.33), increased ONL thickness (35.52 ± 4.44 μm vs. 22.67 ± 2.56 μm), improved linear RPE alignment (10.6 ± 2.60 vs. 5.8 ± 1.30), and a greater number of ONL cell rows, The treatment preserved sub-RPE space, BM thickness, collagen area, collagen thickness, and collagen porosity at levels comparable to healthy controls. Specifically, the sub-RPE space (7.26 ± 4.92 μm) and Bruch’s membrane (BM) thickness (5.91 ± 1.07 μm), closely matched control values (6.33 ± 1.26 μm and 5.50 ± 0.73 μm, respectively).
Similarly, collagen area (21.74 ± 3.48%), collagen thickness (81.8 ± 24.17 μm), and collagen pore area (17.72 ± 9.19%) in the hydrogel + GAGA–YIGSR group were similar to those in healthy controls (19.21 ± 3.37%, 87.47 ± 27.43 μm, and 12.24 ± 6.95%, respectively). Immunohistochemical analysis further confirmed tight junction reformation as indicated by ZO-1 expression, in the dual-treatment group. This biomimetic hydrogel addresses critical challenges of AMD therapies, including a lack of BM support for cell therapy, surgical complications of preformed substrates, irregular defect coverage, and injection-related backflow. Collectively, our findings demonstrated the potential of an injectable peptide-functionalized hydrogel, which may serve as a clinically relevant scaffold for retinal tissue regeneration in AMD.
Recommended Citation
Bagewadi, Shambhavi Ms, "Injectable, in situ forming peptide nanofiber reinforced composite hydrogels for Age-Related Macular Degeneration" (2026). Theses and Dissertations. 220.
https://knowledgeconnect.sastra.edu/theses/220