Phanindhar Shivapooja

Research Triangle Park Foundation, Duke University

Papers

Total Citations

103

H-Index

About

Phanindhar Shivapooja is a leading researcher at the intersection of soft robotics and biofouling management, with a focus on developing dynamic surface technologies for medical and marine applications. His major contributions center on the innovative use of mechanically deformable silicone elastomers to actively disrupt and remove biofilms—a persistent challenge in both healthcare and environmental settings. In his highly cited 2014 work (64 citations), Shivapooja introduced an on-demand fouling-release urinary catheter that uses pneumatic actuation to mechanically strip infectious biofilms, offering a paradigm shift from passive coatings to active, responsive device surfaces. His 2015 study (39 citations) extended this concept to marine environments, demonstrating through laboratory and field tests that dynamic surface deformation can effectively detach biofouling species from silicone coatings. By combining principles of soft robotics with materials science, Shivapooja has pioneered a versatile platform for fouling control that reduces reliance on toxic biocides. His work has significant implications for reducing healthcare-associated infections and improving the longevity of marine structures, establishing him as a key innovator in active antifouling strategies.