Description:

“Customizing biodegradable polymer properties and degradation characteristics for device applications”

Kurt Breitenkamp, Ph.D.
Managing Scientist, Polymer Science and Materials Chemistry
Exponent Inc.

Abstract
While bioresorbable polymeric materials have been studied for decades, their recent use in stent and drug-delivery applications has made them the focus of heightened interest in the biomaterials community. In this talk, I will provide an overview of bioresorbable/biodegradable polymers with a particular emphasis on structure-property relationships, as well recent advances in material design and test methods. The degradation process of these polymers as it applies to safety and its effect on in vivo material properties will be discussed. In addition, I will highlight recent efforts by regulatory and standards committees to develop and adopt standardized test methods to guide clinical development of new devices incorporating these polymers. Practical issues concerning the unique challenges of processing, sterilization, and storage of biodegradable polymers will be featured as well as issues relating to failure analysis.

Speaker Background

Trained as a polymer scientist and chemist, Dr. Breitenkamp’s core competency is design, synthesis, and characterization of polymer materials, particularly those used in the medical sciences and environmental technology. As Managing Scientist in the Polymer Science and Materials Chemistry practice at Exponent, he provides a wide range of technical expertise in organic, inorganic, surface, and polymer chemistry, as well as related products and manufacturing systems. He has hands-on experience preparing and testing materials for biological applications including: biocompatible and biodegradable polymers, polymer therapeutic and diagnostic agents, bioprinting, and in vitro and in vivo testing of polymer materials. Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. Breitenkamp co-founded and served as Chief Technology Officer of Intezyne Technologies, a biotechnology company focused on the development of advanced, polymer nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. After his tenure at Intezyne, Dr. Breitenkamp joined The Scripps Research Institute where he initiated efforts to develop new classes of conductive polymers and hybrid polymer-virus nanoparticles. A prolific innovator, Dr. Breitenkamp is listed as an inventor on 20 patent families that represent 28 issued US and international patents. He received a Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Engineering from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and a B.S. in Polymer Science from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Date:

Thursday, September 11

Location:

Michael's Restaurant at Shoreline Park
2960 N. Shoreline Park
Mountain View, CA 94043

Directions

Map

Timing:

6 PM social hour
7 PM dinner
8 PM lecture

Cost:

	Employed/postdoc	Student/unemployed/retired
Early Registration	$30	$15
Registration	$35	$20
Walk-in (not guaranteed)	$40	$25

Lecture-only is free.

 

Payment:

We accept cash or checks at the door, or online payment via credit card. No-shows are responsible for full payment of registration fee.

Registration:

Please register on the web page https://ggpf.mystagingwebsite.com/ or contact:

Albert Your
email: albertyour@gmail.com
phone:650-273-2408

Deadline for registration:

11:59PM, Wednesday, September 3 for early registration discount.
5PM, Wednesday, September 10 for regular registration.

Dinner Selection:

Seafood - Blackened tilapia with papaya salsa
Chicken - Chicken cacciatore
Vegetarian - Penne with grilled zucchini and mozzarella

You should receive confirmation of your registration; if not, please contact us again.