Polymeric Bioactives: Polymers from Bioactives and as Bioactives by Prof. Kathryn E. Uhrich, University of California, Riverside
Webinar
Polymeric Bioactives: Polymers from Bioactives and as Bioactives
Prof. Kathryn E. Uhrich
Dean, College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences
Distinguished Professor, Chemistry
University of California, Riverside
Tuesday, April 11, Webinar at 6:00 PM Pacific time
Abstract
Our research centers on polymeric bioactives; specifically, the design of biocompatible, biodegradable polymers. While polymeric bioactives were initially designed for delivering pharmaceuticals, the concept has been expanded to improve the lubricity of engine oils, to prevent plaque buildup on tooth enamel, and to improve skin appearance. To design biocompatible and biodegradable polymers, we begin with starting materials that are naturally occurring and deemed safe. We have two different classes of polymers - polymers that deliver bioactives and polymers derived from bioactives.
As polymers that deliver bioactives, nanoscale amphiphilic macromolecules (AMs) were initially created to encapsulate hydrophobic drugs and improve drug water-solubility and improve bioavailability. Our current work builds upon the discovery that demonstrated that the AMs themselves are bioactive – they actively coordinate with binding domains on macrophages to mitigate formation of atherosclerotic plaques. They also display novel mechanisms for mitigating biofilm formation.
As polymers derived from bioactives, PolyActives are designed to biodegrade into therapeutically useful or bioactive molecules. The first example was a poly(anhydride-ester) that yielded salicylic acid, the active component of aspirin. This concept has been expanded to include PolyAntibiotics, PolyAntiseptics and PolyOpiates useful for localized, controlled bioactive delivery for pharmaceutical, personal care, and commercial applications.
Prof. Uhrich's Background Statement
My research focuses on the design, synthesis and characterization of biocompatible, biodegradable polymers that deliver bioactives. My most well known invention is “PolyAspirin”; it was the first example of a polymer that degrades into a bioactive such as salicylic acid that can locally reduce inflammation and pain. These polymers were evaluated for various wound healing applications, such as promoting bone regeneration in diabetic animals. Another invention is amphiphilic macromolecules, which are also bioactive. The bioactive AMs were unique therapeutic coatings for metal cardiac stents to reduce smooth muscle cell proliferation and platelet adhesion in humans. To date, this research has produced more than 190 peer-reviewed papers and generated nearly $30 million in federal and corporate research funding. I’m an inventor on more than 60 U.S. and international issued patents based upon research performed in my labs. I’ve also been involved in multiple start-up companies centered on biomedical polymers and worked in close partnership with companies, such as BASF, Chanel, Colgate-Palmolive, DuPont, ExxonMobil, and L’Oréal. The partnerships are typically to develop new materials and/or products that are nontoxic and biodegradable and which meet a consumer need in pharmaceutics, medical devices, personal care, or environmental applications.
DATE: Tuesday, April 11
Registration deadline: Monday, April 10, 1:00 PM.
Registration may close earlier than the nominal deadline if capacity is reached.
This event will be FREE OF CHARGE, but we still require you to fill out the registration form. In particular, we need to have your name and email address for you to be able to participate. Please provide affiliation also if you can, as it helps us judge audience interests.
If you can spare a small amount, GGPF requests an optional donation of $5 (or more) but this is not required to register and attend the webinar.
To register for free, use the pull-down toggle to select "All registrants ($0.00)" choice.
To donate, use the pull down toggle to select "GGPF donation ($5.00)". This will direct you to a secure link where you can use PayPal or any credit or debit card. For larger donations, use the "Donate to GGPF" link on the front page GGPF.org
Webinar Timing: 6:00 PM.
(Zoom meeting room will open earlier)
Attendees who complete the registration form will receive information by email for how to participate. It is requested that people join the meeting invitation well before 6:00 to avoid delays.
Registrants will receive the information needed to join the webinar within a day of the event in an email from “events@ggpf.org” To be certain of seeing the note, please add events@ggpf.org to your safe mail senders list, and/or look in your spam, updates, or other mailbox locations in addition to your primary In Box.
Please register on the web page.
You should receive email confirmation of your registration; if not, please contact us again.
Do not reply to email from events@ggpf.org
For questions or other assistance, contact:
Clayton Henderson
macro2nano@verizon.net
Attendees will be added to the GGPF email announcements list unless they request otherwise.
LOCATION:
Anywhere you want, or anywhere you are busy socially distancing, sheltering in place, working, or waiting it all out. Good luck!
Price: $5.00
Date: April 11, 2023
Available Spaces: 952
