Speaker: Dr. Elizabeth Brisbois, University of Georgia
Title: “Engineering Hemocompatible and Antimicrobial Polymer Biointerfaces to Improve Medical Devices”

Abstract: Interactions at material-tissue interfaces are critical to the success of biomedical devices ranging from small devices like insulin cannulas and catheters, to complex artificial organs which are used in thousands of patients each day.  Blood/material interaction is critical to the success of biomedical devices, ranging from simple catheters, stents and grafts, to complex extracorporeal artificial organs which are used in thousands of patients every day.  Blood-contacting devices suffer from two major clinical problems:  1) platelet activation leading to thrombosis, and 2) infection.  Hospital-acquired infections and rising rates of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains that are becoming more common in the hospital setting remain serious concerns that affect millions of patients each year in the United States alone.  These bacterial infections can lead to microbial biofilms that can cause various diseases and medical device infections that are notorious for being highly resistant to antibiotics.  One promising approach to these biomedical device challenges has been to develop therapeutic materials that deliver bioactive molecules, such as nitric oxide (NO), and mimic the mechanisms that the body uses to prevent blood clotting and kill microbial infections.  This presentation will discuss Dr. Brisbois’ work in developing NO-releasing polymeric biomaterials through the incorporation of NO donor chemistry, which are then characterized and optimized in vitro. These new materials are then used to fabricate “prototype” devices (catheters, extracorporeal life support) and evaluated in clinically relevant animal models for the prevention of thrombosis and infection.  Developing such biomaterial interfaces is a critical next step to promoting biocompatibility at medical device interfaces and overcoming translational clinical challenges. 

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Departmental Seminar Series covers a broad range of fields in the Chemical and Biochemical Sciences. In past seminars, scientists from Academia, Government, and Industry have presented their most recent discoveries and contributions in their respective areas. This Seminar Series offers students and faculty the opportunity to interact directly with other leaders in their specializations and to gain a good overview of the entire range of fields in Chemistry and Biochemistry.

This seminar will take place in person.