Zakaria A. Almsherqi
National University of Singapore,Singapore
Title: Advancing artificial technology by mimicking nature's strategies
Biography
Biography: Zakaria A. Almsherqi
Abstract
Nature has guided technological development throughout human history. Biomimetics or biomimicry is the imitation of the models, systems, and elements of nature for the purpose of solving complex human problems. This talk covers the main medical applications of natural and artificial membranes. Specific attention is given to drug delivery systems, artificial organs and tissue engineering which seem to dominate the interest of the membrane technologies. In all cases, the materials, methods and the current state of the art are evaluated and future prospects are discussed.Concerning artificial organs, we describe recently developed technologies of polymer membranes in the field of artificial heart and artificial kidneys as well as the application of membranes for tissue engineering scaffolds and bioreactors.Concerning drug delivery systems, attention is paid to diffusion controlled systems. Cubic membranes and cubic phase systems in particular have an interesting thermodynamically stable structure consisting of curved bicontinuous lipid bilayer similar to biomembranes and offer stable systems for controlled drug delivery.Throughout the talk will analyze the capabilities and importantance of membrane science and technologies and extrapolate on their potential impact to advance the quality of medical care, while reducing its cost. also highlights the importance of collaboration of membrane scientists with others (biologists, bioengineers, medical doctors, etc.) in order to address the complicated challenges in this field
