Plenary Session
Hannah Zierden, PhD
Assistant Professor
University of Maryland
Molly Stevens, DBE, FRS, FREng
John Black Professor of Bionanoscience
University of Oxford
This talk will provide an overview of recent advances in bioinspired materials for therapeutic and regenerative medicine applications, with a particular focus on establishing translational pipelines to bring our innovations to the clinic [1]. We have developed fabrication methods to engineer complex 3D architectures and biofunctionalized surfaces, incorporating spatially arranged bioinstructive biochemical and topographical cues [2]. Our therapeutic delivery portfolio includes high-molecular-weight polymer carriers for enhanced delivery of saRNA therapeutics, as well as photo-responsive nanoreactors inspired by circadian rhythms [3]. Additionally, we are developing innovative solutions for targeted and controlled delivery using soft robotics with unique bioinspired properties that respond to external stimuli to release therapeutic payloads [4]. Our design approach integrates state-of-the-art fabrication techniques while prioritizing versatility and scalability to maximize translational potential.
Furthermore, we have developed Raman microspectroscopy imaging tools and machine learning algorithms for hyperspectral unmixing of complex biological imaging. These technologies enable us to investigate live-cell and organoid models and visualize the in vivo fate of nanomedicines [5]. I will present recent advances in Raman spectroscopy for high-throughput, label-free characterization of single nanoparticles—an approach we pioneered through the SPARTA™ technique—which allows for the comprehensive analysis of a broad range of nanoparticle-based therapeutics [6].
Finally, I will explore how these versatile technologies can drive transformative biomedical innovations. I will also discuss our efforts in establishing effective translational pipelines to accelerate clinical applications while actively working towards the democratization of healthcare [7].
[1] J. P. K. Armstrong… M. M. Stevens. “A blueprint for translational regenerative medicine.” Science Translational Medicine. 2020. 12(572): eaaz2253.; C. S. Wood, … M. M. Stevens. Nature. 2019. 566: 467-474.; C. N. Loynachan, … M. M. Stevens. Nature Nanotechnology. 2019. 14: 883–890.
[2] T. von Erlach, … M. M. Stevens. Nature Materials. 2018. 17: 237-242; C. Chiappini… M. M. Stevens, E. Tasciotti. Nature Materials. 2015. 14: 532.
[3] A. Najer, … M.M. Stevens. ACS Central Science. 2022. 8(9): 1238–1257; [3] A. Blakney, … M. M. Stevens. ACS Nano. 2020, 14(5): 5711-5727; [4] O. Rifaie-Graham, … M.M. Stevens. Nature Chemistry. 2023. 15: 110–118.
[4] X. Song… M. M. Stevens. Advance Materials. 2022. 34(43): 2204791.; R. Sun… M. M. Stevens. Advanced Materials. 2022. 35(13):2207791.
[5] C. Kallepitis, … M. M. Stevens. Nature Communications. 2017. 8: 14843. D. Georgiev, … M. M. Stevens, M. Barahona. PNAS. 2024. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2407439121.
[6] J. Penders, … M. M. Stevens. Nature Communications. 2018, 9: 4256.; J. Penders, … M. M. Stevens. ACS Nano. 2021, 15, 11, 18192–18205; H. Barriga, … M. M. Stevens. Advanced Materials. 2021, 34(26):2200839.
[7] A. T. Speidel, … M. M. Stevens. Nature Materials. 2022. DOI: 10.1038/s41563-022-01348-5.
