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Mario I. Romero-Ortega, Ph.D. Assistant Director of Research, Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas |
Category: Keynote Speaker, Will Welcoming Dignitaries |
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Bio: Neuroscientist. Eleven years of experience in studying the biology of nerve injury and the design of methods to direct and entice nerve regeneration. Developed a biosynthetic nerve implant for the repair of gap injuries and is involved in the design of peripheral neuro-electrical interfaces for the control of robotic prosthesis, incorporating the evaluation of carbon nanotubes as conductive substrates for cellular growth. He is past associate member of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation Research Consortium on Spinal Cord Injury, and member of the International Association of Nanotechnology, the Tissue Engineering Society International, and the Society for Neuroscience. |
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Dr. Deb Newberry Professor & Author Dakota State Technical College |
Speech Title: BioNano 101 Instructor |
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Bio: Trained as a nuclear physicist with chemical and mechanical engineering minors, Deb spent 23 years in the corporate world as a researcher and in executive management. She has developed methodologies for analysis and testing of radiation on satellite systems with over 14 spacecraft in orbit which Deb has been involved with. In 1991 Ms. Newberry started working in nanotechnology with NASA studying radiation effects on micro and nanoscale satellites. In early 2001, Deb left the corporate world and became a nanotechnology consultant, as well as co-authoring a book on nanotechnology. She has spoken to multiple organizations, including the US Senate and Staff, serves in working groups for the National Science Foundation and has had articles published in business magazines and professional journals. Deb is a Professor at Dakota County Technical College, Executive Director for two non-profit educational organizations and is a member of and serving on committees within many professional organizations, including: |
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Courtland Imel President Ceutical Labs |
Speech Title: "Advances in Nanotechnology products for the consumer." |
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Speech Summary:
Presentation will be Advances in Nanotechnology products for the consumer. These products shall include devices, pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements and cosmetics. |
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Bio: Founded in 2004, a full-service provider to pharmaceutical, medical device, dietary Supplement, veterinary and cosmetic industries. 25 years experience in FDARegulated industries. Innovator of client product concept, quality control, training,IT solutions, sales and marketing. |
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Dr. Joerg Lahann Dow Corning Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering University of Michigan |
Speech Title: "Towards Switchable Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications" |
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Speech Summary:
While a number of responsive polymers have been developed that can switch surface properties upon exposure to internal stimuli (temperature, pH, ionic strength), independently controllable surfaces will have to switch on demand. One focus of our work is on the development of switchable surfaces that rely on conformational transitions triggered by the application of an electrical potential. The electrical potential acts as an external stimulus, while maintaining constant environmental parameters. Alternatively, a disruptive technological approach to fabricate anisotropic particles will be presented. The anisotropic nature of the resulting objects makes them promising candidates for switching applications. |
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Bio: Joerg Lahann, the Dow Corning Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan, explores the scientific interface between materials chemistry and biotechnology. His work resulted in key materials technologies including reversibly switching surfaces (Science 2003), anisotropic nanocolloids (Nature Materials 2005), and multifunctional nanocoatings (JACS 2006, PNAS 2007). Lahann has been selected by Technology Review as one of the top young innovators (TR35). He is also the recipient of the 2007 AICHE Nanoscale Science and Engineering Award, a NSF-CAREER award, and a DOD Idea award. Lahann published 70 papers and contributed to more than 20 patents and patent applications. |
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Dr. Sam Shefer Founder Salvona Technologies, Inc. |
Speech Title: "Smart Nanotechnology Based Delivery Systems" |
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Speech Summary:
The talk will focus on innovative nanotechnology delivery systems used for drug delivery, biodegradable medical implants, medical devices and various other unique applications in the area of pharmaceutical and cosmetics. The nano and submicron spheres are loaded with pharmaceutical actives or other functional ingredients. These spheres are designed to deposit onto the skin for long lasting topical delivery required for dermatological and pediatric applications, and for oral drug delivery with the ability to target the drug to a specific cellular site. The technology, NanoSal™, is used in a water based suspension form, comprised of a blend of natural and synthetic polymers, with a narrow size diameter. The spheres size can vary from 60-800 nm based on engineering design parameters, which allows the deposition, even from a washing environment, and sustains the release of the encapsulated active for up to 8 hours. The second system is, MultiSal™, a micro-sphere system containing nano spheres and sub-micron spheres infused with actives. The MultiSal™ delivery system is an intelligent polymeric delivery system, able to release actives that are encapsulated within the submicron spheres, from environmental factors such as: water activity, change of pH, and temperature. The ingredients released impact the environment surrounding the sphere, as well as modulating the release of the remaining encapsulated actives for the sphere. |
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Andrew R. Pollock Design Engineer-Biomedical OrthoCare Innovations, LLC |
Speech Title: "Affecting Prosthetics at the Nano Scale" |
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Speech Summary: Nanotechnology promises to improve the world around us by altering material properties on a nano-scale. Many of these technologies offer benefits that are directly in line with the requirements of prosthetics, and their application within the industry stands to significantly improve the quality of life of many prosthetics users. The application of nanotechnology in prosthetics will result in hygiene enhancements, increased durability, and greater heat dissipation, amongst others. The altered function and comfort of prosthetics utilizing nanotechnology, along with possible new enabled designs will be discussed. Benefits to patients will be explored through both experimental data and clinical observations. |
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Bio: Graduate of the University of Oklahoma and holds a bachelors of Science degree in zoology with course work emphasis in sports physiology and biomedical engineering. A veteran of the healthcare industry Mr. Pollock is committed to improving patients’ quality of life through innovation of enabling technology. Mr. Pollock has served to advance projects that include a volume accommodating socket, a biomimetric robotic ankle, and first of its kind nanotechnology integration into the field of prosthetics. In addition to this Mr. Pollock’s responsibilities include the assessment of new technical collaboration opportunities, and the management of new proposal submissions. |
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Dr. Anis Rahman Chair/CTO Applied Research & Photonics, Inc. |
Speech Title: "Dendrimer Terahertz Source: Its Capabilities and Applications in Life Sciences" |
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Speech Summary: Terahertz radiation (T-ray) is non-ionizing and can penetrate through obstacles such as clothes, shoes, boxes, fog, mist, sand storm, etc. This ability can be exploited in number important applications including medical diagnostics, biological and pharmaceutical research, security, screening, and drug discovery. However, this unique opportunity is not without its share of challenges, and there are a few. Despite, ARP has demonstrated some unique features such as terahertz generation from dendrimer emitter, probing biological activities in the terahertz gap, and utilizing dendrimer sensor for terahertz sensing and imaging. Prototype devices are being developed in ARP’s in-house facility. |
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Bio: Anis Rahman is the founder and Chief Technology Officer of Applied Research & Photonics (ARP) Inc., Harrisburg, PA 17111. Along with its revolutionary nanophotonic integrated circuit (nPIC), ARP is currently working on its proprietary terahertz source and spectrometer for life science related research. Dr. Rahman is the originator of a new concept of photonic waveguide via “natural index contrast”. His inventions include photonic waveguide gratings, chip-scale photonic integrated circuits (PICs), high power terahertz generation and sensing from dendrimer, terahertz spectrometer, and photonic components. He has authored and co-authored more than 50 papers and conference presentations and 6 patents (pending/awarded). |
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Dr. Peiyu Zhang ATIPS Laboratory, ECE University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada |
Speech Title: "Analysis of mechanical characterization on microneedles for fluid sampling and drug delivery" |
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Speech Summary: Out of Plane, Side Opened, Robust MEMS Microneedle Arrays was modeled, designed and simulated. The microneedle array was fabricated by employing a bi-mask technique, which allows for needle top structures to be easily implemented, to facilitate sharp tips, a cylindric body and side ports which minimize the potential for clogging. The mechanical properties of the microneedle for in-vivo fluid sampling and drug delivery were theoretically analyzed including analysis of fracture strength and distribution of von mises stress. The conditions of initial insertion and after initial insertion were considered. The detail buckling analyses on needle structure were also presented. Two modes of buckling were come to and discussed. It is shown that the needle tip is not the weakest for needle structure and the microneedle is robust enough to withstand the stress generated during insertion. |
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Dr. Balaji Panchapakesan Professor, Mechanical Engineering University of Louisville |
Speech Title: "Understanding the Interactions of Light on Carbon Nanotubes: From Micro-Opto-Mechanical Systems to Cancer Nanotechnology |
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Speech Summary: |
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Bio:
Dr. Panchapakesan’s research spans in the area of optical properties of carbon nanotubes and their applications in the area of micro-opto-mechanical systems and cancer nanotechnology. Dr. Panchapakesan received the PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 2001. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Louisville, KY. Dr. Panchapakesan is the recipient of the NSF CAREER award in 2005, Alumni Award from University of Maryland, College Park in 2006, and Francis Alison Young Scholars Award as an Assistant Professor at the University of Delaware in 2006. |
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Dr. Payodhar Padhi Prof. & Dean (R&D) Hi-Tech Medical College & Hospital, BHUBANESWAR |
Speech Title: "Synthesis of Mercury Sulfide Nano-Powder for BioMedical Application" |
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Speech Summary: The present investigation attempts to use the traditional methods to prepare mercury sulfide for medicinal use. Further mercury in the free form is not acceptable in medicines. The physicians could get rid of free mercury by milling and proper choice of the ratio of ingredients as is shown in the investigation by X-ray diffraction studies. For therapeutically application, the sulfide thus obtained needed detoxification, which was done using organic extracts. With increase in milling time the fineness of the powder increases, which increases the efficacy of the medicine, and free mercury, which is not desirable for medicinal application is found to decrease. |
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Bio: Academic: B.E, M.Tech, PhD Experience: Solidification Technology, Computer Simulation & Modeling in FEM, GA, MD simulation. Synthesis and Characterization of Nanomaterials, Advanced Functional Materials, Nanocomposite, Non-equilibrium Processing (Mechanical Alloying), Kinetics of Phase Transformation, Composites, CFD, Computational Drug Design etc. |
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Dr. Maya P. Nair Professor of Molecular Biology and Immunology University of North Texas Health Science Center |
Speech Title: "Novel Biocompatible Nanoparticles for Targeted Cancer Therapy" |
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Speech Summary: Lipoproteins are considered to be appropriate drug delivery agents, especially for cancer chemotherapy. Our laboratory has developed a highly effective drug delivery platform, using ingredients of high density lipoproteins. These developments open the way for dramatic improvements in innovative drug delivery technology |
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Bio: Dr. Nair completed her education at the Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kerala, India and at the University of Kerala, Kerala, India where she obtained a Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry. She had carried out post-doctoral studies at the University of Texas at Austin, Austin Texas and at the University of Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio Texas. Since 1996, she has worked at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Texas, where she currently holds the rank of Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology. Dr. Nair’s long term research goals include the development of a high density lipoprotein based drug delivery system to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of lipophilic drugs, especially for cancer chemotherapy. Dr. Nair has also participated in the study of the mechanism of action of the enzyme lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), a rate limiting step in reverse cholesterol transport. Dr. Nair has given presentations at national and international meetings on lipoprotein structure, function and metabolism and on lipoprotein based drug delivery systems. |
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Dr. Lawrence Tamarkin President & CEO CytImmune Sciences, Inc. |
Speech Title: "Phase I Cancer Patient Trial of the Nanomedicine CYT-6091 (Aurimune™)" |
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Speech Summary: Using drug delivery systems to target potent, but toxic, anti-cancer therapeutics to solid tumors is best accomplished by avoiding uptake by the immune system and by limiting the biodistribution of the drug to the tumor. CYT-6091 accomplishes this by binding the potent, but toxic molecule TNF to the surface of PEGylated colloidal gold nanoparticles. TNF’s toxicity is so severe that its clinical use is limited to isolated limb perfusion (ILP), where 1 mg of TNF followed by doxorubicin results in an 85% remission rate. In the CYT-6091 Phase I clinical trial a similar dose of TNF was injected systemically without toxicity. Also, gold nanoparticles were found in patient tumors. Multiple Phase II combination trials are planned. |
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Bio: Lawrence Tamarkin, Ph.D. - CEO and Founder, CytImmune Sciences, Inc. Dr. Tamarkin has lead CytImmune from its founding in 1988 as a diagnostic company to its current focus on cancer therapeutics. Dr. Tamarkin is the co-inventor of the Company’s colloidal gold-based nanomedicine platform technology. A Phase I cancer patient trial of the Company’s first nanomedicine was successfully completed, and Phase II testing in combination with chemotherapies is planned. Under Dr. Tamarkin’s leadership a pipeline of nanotherapeutics is being developed, each product being designed to attack tumors by different mechanisms. Dr. Tamarkin is also the co-inventor of the Company’s in vitro method for producing totally human monoclonal antibody therapeutics. Dr. Tamarkin was graduated from SUNY at Stony Brook receiving a B.S. degree and received his Ph.D. degree from the University of Connecticut. |
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Dr. Pierfrancesco Morganti Professor University of Naples |
Speech Title: "NANOSCIENCE the challenging cosmetics healthy food & biotextiles" |
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Speech Summary: Nanoscience represents a novel disciplinary and scientific field continuously evolving with the need to create very specific, and biological functional materials, which would have a targeted efficacy on human wellbeing. The natural chitin’s nanofibrils and their derivatives provide a healthy helping of protection, nutrition and regeneration of the skin. Their daily repair, protective and anti-aging properties are becoming to be touted on the labels of new high-tech skin care, functional food, medical devices and biotextiles products. Recent studies on this polyglucoside used alone or in combination with natural antioxidant and immunomodulant compounds, have found interesting application in the controlled stimulation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, leading to a new generation of skin anti-aging and wound healing products. |
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Bio: MORGANTI Pierfrancesco University Professor pharmaceutical company executive Carrier since 1971 interested in Cosmetic Dermatology is invited for lectures in numerous congresses since 1980 managing director of MAVI SUD production of dermocosmetics since 1983 founder and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Applied Cosmetology official organ of ISCD International Society of Cosmetic Dermatology since 2003 Prof. of Applied Cosmetic Dermatology, II University of Naples, Italy Publications : Everyday problems in dermatology : the cosmetic connection co-author 1st and 2nd volume of the series Cosmetic Dermatology also co-author Dermatologia e cosmetica and A new look at old skin a challenge to cosmetology over 350 publications in specialized journals and member of several other national and international scientific associations |
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Dr. Elishalom Yechiel
President & Director of Research Elsom Research Co., Inc. |
Speech Title: "Nano-Encapsulation Technology Overcomes Aesthetic Limitations of Food and Skincare Ingredients" |
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Speech Summary: Aesthetic considerations may be a limiting factor in incorporating vitamins and other natural ingredients into foods or natural topical formulations. Implementing nano-encapsulation technologies can modulate undesirable effects such as color and odor common to vitamins and other natural ingredients. Reducing such undesired side effects makes it highly desirable to increase concentration of such ingredients in foods or natural topical formulations while at the same time enhancing their performance. |
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Bio: Elishalom Yechiel is the founder, President, and Director of Research of Elsom Research Co., Inc., located in San Antonio, TX. Before creating Elsom Research, Dr. Yechiel earned a doctorate in Biochemistry from the Hebrew University, held post-doctoral appointments at Johns Hopkins University and the NIH, and was an Assistant Professor at the UTHSCSA. His research focuses on lipids and membrane structures, especially as they relate to cellular aging and cancer. At Elsom Research, he designs custom formulations combining nano-biotechnology and botanical ingredients. Dr. Yechiel’s innovations in nano-technology include nano-emulsions, nano-encapsulations, co-emulsions, and Nanosomes™, primarily for topical cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical applications. |
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James Simmons Central Regional Manager Spectrum Laboratories |
Speech Title: "Optimization of Nanoparticle Purification and Concentration by Hollow Fiber Filtration" |
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Speech Summary: Hollow Fiber Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) is an efficient and rapid alternative to traditional methods of nanoparticle purification and concentration. Hollow Fiber TFF is a membrane based size exclusion separation technology where pore size determines the retention or transmission of solution components. This presentation will focus on the critical factors to consider when optimizing nanoparticle concentration and purification processes. Factors which will be discussed include shear, buffer exchange volumes, solute passage and transmembrane pressure and their effect on scale up and overall process optimization. |
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Bio: James Simmons is the Central Region Manager for Spectrum Laboratories. Mr. Simmons has over 25 years experience in process membrane filtration. Prior to joining Spectrum in 2001, he held management positions at Continental Water Systems, Millipore and US Filter and as an Industrial Filtration Consultant. His area of expertise is in the field of process optimization for biotech processing and production using hollow fiber technologies. Mr. Simmons co-authored the book ABC’s of Filtration and Bioprocessing for the New Millennium (2002) in addition to publishing numerous papers on the optimization of membrane separation processes. |
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Dr. Louis C. Brousseau III CEO & President Quantum Logic Devices |
Speech Title: "Molecular Gating off Nanotransistors for Label-Free Real Time Biological Analysis" |
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Speech Summary: The complexity of existing molecular diagnostics limits their use to highly specialized labs and skilled users. Instrumentation costs and power requirements of these technologies preclude deployment to near-patient and point of care settings where medical diagnostics are most effective. Presented is a radically new paradigm for nanoelectronic molecular analysis that removes the barriers of complexity, cost, and portability. |
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