| Description | Molecular Engineering and Sciences Seminar Series
Tools for Accelerated Medical Innovation
Abstract: When developing technologies to solve medical problems, often one encounters significant hurdles, that at times seem insurmountable. Overcoming these hurdles requires new ways of thinking. One approach is to turn to nature for inspiration. Millions and millions of years of research and development at our fingertips, and all we need to do is look outside to the amazing creatures that inhabit our planet. This talk will explore medical technologies being developed that harness lessons from nature for inspiration, from creatures such as geckos, spider webs, jellyfish, porcupine quills, snails, to spiny headed worms. Another approach is radical simplicity — the art and discipline of reducing a problem to its essence. This tool has been harnessed to develop a new skin care approach that is advancing towards global market adoption, and therapeutic strategies to combat inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis that are advancing towards clinical studies. Some of the technologies that will be described are rapidly advancing to the clinic and some are already on the market helping patients. This talk opens new paths to the continual innovation that is so important in our fast-changing world. Bio: Jeff Karp works in the fields of drug delivery, medical devices, stem cell therapeutics, and tissue adhesives. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers, with >16,500 citations, and has given over 275 invited lectures. He has over 100 issued or pending national and international patents. Several technologies developed in his lab have led to multiple products currently in development or on the market and for the launch of six companies that have raised over $180 million in funding. Technologies include hightech skincare, tissue adhesives and 3D printed biomedical devices, immunomodulation with bioligically responsive materials, small molecule regenerative therapeutics with an initial target of hearing loss, and biomedical devices to improve child safety.
Karp has received over 50 awards and honors. Boston Magazine recently recognized Karp as one of 11 Boston Doctors Making Medical Breakthroughs. The Boston Business Journal recognized him as a Champion in Healthcare Innovation and MIT’s Technology Review Magazine (TR35) also recognized Karp as being one of the top innovators in the world (three members from his laboratory have subsequently received this award). This weekly seminar brings together students, faculty and invited guests from various disciplines across campus to explore current trends in molecular engineering and nanotechnology. It is a forum for active interdisciplinary discussions. These talks are open to the public and attract a diverse audience of students and faculty. |
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