Grand Challenges in Materials Science: Innovators in Bioengineering Webinar

Summary

The webinar featured renowned innovators Molly Stevens and Ali Khadem Hosseini, discussing the grand challenges in biomaterials and their impact on therapeutics and bioengineering. They highlighted advancements in bioprinting, nanoparticle analysis with SPARTA technology, and the development of smart materials for regenerative medicine. The discussion underscored the importance of interdisciplinary research, sustainable practices, and the role of AI in material science, aiming to democratize healthcare innovations globally.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The webinar featured Molly Stevens and Ali Khadem Hosseini, two leading innovators in the field of biomaterials and bioengineering, discussing the grand challenges in material science and their impact on therapeutics and bioengineering.
• 📚 Molly Stevens is a professor at Imperial College London, known for her interdisciplinary research group focusing on regenerative medicine and biosensing, leveraging materials science for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and more.
• 🛠 Ali Khadem Hosseini is the CEO of the UCLA-affiliated Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, focusing on bioengineering solutions for precision medicine, including work on hydrogels, microphysiological systems, and lab-grown meats.
• 💡 The ACS Materials Gold journal, co-hosted by the webinar, aims to publish impactful research in materials science, ensuring global access to cutting-edge studies that can benefit a wide audience.
• 🔍 Stevens highlighted the importance of translating bioengineering innovations into safe and effective treatments, emphasizing the role of interdisciplinary collaboration and the incorporation of fundamental science into applied research.
• 🔬 The development of the SPARC technique (Single Particle Automated Raman Trapping Analysis) by Stevens' group allows for the study of individual nanoparticles, providing insights into their composition and function for therapeutic applications.
• 🌐 The webinar underscored the potential of using mobile phone technologies for democratizing healthcare, with examples of point-of-care tests that can detect diseases like HIV and Ebola, leveraging the widespread use of smartphones for diagnostics.
• 🧪 Hosseini discussed advances in bioprinting, emphasizing the creation of 'inks' that can be used to print with multiple cell types and materials, enabling the fabrication of complex tissue-like structures.
• 💊 The use of hydrogel microneedles for drug delivery was a key point, with Hosseini's group developing painless methods to deliver a variety of treatments through the skin for applications in cosmetic, diabetic, and cancer care.
• 🤖 The potential impact of AI and machine learning on the discovery and application of new biomaterials was acknowledged, with both speakers recognizing the growing role of these technologies in analyzing complex data sets and predicting material properties.
• 🌐 The discussion highlighted the importance of academic entrepreneurship and the translation of fundamental research into practical applications, with insights into the ecosystem and support needed to make this transition successfully.

Q & A

What is the purpose of ACS Materials Gold and JAX Gold journals?

ACS Materials Gold and JAX Gold are open access community journals launched by the American Chemical Society to provide a respected platform for publishing impactful research. They aim to conform to funding agency requirements and ensure global sharing of work, showcasing the best materials research and providing unrestricted access to cutting-edge research in the field.

Who is Stephanie Brock and what is her role in the webinar?

Stephanie Brock is a professor of chemistry at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. She is also an associate editor of Chemistry Materials and the deputy editor of ACS Materials Gold. In the webinar, she serves as a co-host and introduces the speakers and their backgrounds.

What is the significance of Molly Stevens' research group?

Molly Stevens' research group is multi-disciplinary, focusing on solving key problems in regenerative medicine and biosensing. Their work spans various areas including drug delivery, bioactive materials, tissue engineering, and the interface between living and non-living matter. The group's innovative approaches have led to significant contributions in the field.

What is the UK Regenerative Medicine Platform Smart Materials Hub and its role?

The UK Regenerative Medicine Platform Smart Materials Hub is a program that brings together expertise from 10 different UK universities to develop smart materials for regenerative medicine. Molly Stevens serves as the director of this hub, which aims to facilitate the translation of scientific materials into clinical applications.

What is the technique called SPARTA and how does it work?

SPARTA (Single Particle Automated Raman Trapping Analysis) is a technique invented in Molly Stevens' lab. It uses an optical trap to capture individual nanoparticles and measure their chemistry, allowing researchers to understand their composition and functionality at a single-particle level without needing to perform bulk measurements.

What is the importance of understanding single nanoparticles in therapeutics?

Understanding single nanoparticles is crucial for designing better therapeutic agents. It helps in optimizing the composition, size, and surface properties of nanoparticles, which can lead to improved drug delivery, enhanced therapeutic efficacy, and reduced side effects.

What is Ali Khadem Hosseini's background and his current role?

Ali Khadem Hosseini obtained his undergraduate and master's degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Toronto and a PhD in bioengineering from MIT. He is currently the CEO of the UCLA-affiliated Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation and is recognized worldwide as an innovator in bioengineering solutions for precision medicine.

How does Ali Khadem Hosseini's work focus on precision medicine?

Ali Khadem Hosseini's work focuses on developing personalized remedies for various disease states by closely collaborating with clinicians. His research aims to create practical and affordable solutions tailored to an individual's biomechanical and biochemical needs.

What are the challenges in material science that Ali Khadem Hosseini's research addresses?

Ali Khadem Hosseini's research addresses challenges in controlling cell behavior using material architecture and properties. His work includes developing materials for surgical applications, flexible electronics, sensors, and devices, as well as using materials in combination with cells for regenerative medicine and other applications.

What is the significance of the work on hydrogel microneedles for drug delivery?

Hydrogel microneedles offer a painless method for drug delivery through barriers like the skin. They can encapsulate various drugs, including hydrophobic ones, and deliver them directly to the target site, improving the efficacy and convenience of drug administration.

How does the use of AI and machine learning impact the discovery and application of new biomaterials?

AI and machine learning can significantly impact the discovery and application of new biomaterials by analyzing vast amounts of data to predict material properties, optimize material design, and understand complex biological interactions. This can accelerate the development of novel materials and their applications in medicine.

What are the key considerations for translating fundamental research into societal applications?

Key considerations include identifying impactful research areas, understanding the needs and challenges of the target application, and having an ecosystem that supports academic entrepreneurship. It also involves collaboration with industry partners, regulatory bodies, and clinical experts to ensure the practicality and safety of the developed materials and technologies.