Materials Science and Engineering

Biography

Alexander M. Seifalian (AMS) who is Professor of Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine and Head of Department with a multidisciplinary background from nuclear physics to physiology, nanotechnology, bio-materials, interaction of cells with nano-composite materials as well as working on stem cells. He is Fellow of the Institute of Nanotechnology (FIoN) and Society of Biology (FSB), and has published over 630 peer-reviewed articles, 41 book chapters and 10 international patents. He is currently serving as a Guest editor for Nano Reviews Journals. His current projects have led to the development of cardiovascular implants using nano-materials and stem cell technology, development of organs using tissue engineering and nano-particles for the detection and treatment of cancer. He was awarded the top prize in the field of nano-materials for cardiovascular implants in 2007 by Medical Future Innovation, and in 2009 received a Business Innovation Award from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) in the Life Sciences and Healthcare Category. He received the most innovative new product award in 2012 for the ‘synthetic trachea’ by European Life Science, Hamburg, Germany, and in 2013 was acknowledged by the international community for his outstanding achievements in Nano-science and Nanotechnology with the prestigious Nanosmat prize award in Granada, Spain. AMS has a significant track record with regard to generating impact through the translation of technology from the laboratory directly to the clinic, and has demonstrated that nano composite polymers are core to the next generation of surgical implants with highly successful outcomes in a number of pioneering projects. This led to the development of the world’s first synthetic trachea, nasal and ear reconstruction, lacrimal duct conduit, and small diameter bypass grafts for coronary artery and vascular replacemnet, which has enter clinical trials, all of which have been used as first-in-man. His experience in translational research has led to a number of cutting edge projects at various stages of development. For example, we have developed abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) stent-grafts, cardiac patches and transcatheter heart valves at the pre-clinical stage of development and will be ready for clinical trials in early 2015.

Research Interest

His research team is highly experienced in reaching planned objectives and delivery of projects of this nature. During his career he has led many large projects with multidisciplinary teams composed of scientists, engineers, and clinicians in collaboration with UK industry, all with very successful outcomes in terms of commercialization and translation to benefit patient healthcare including; i) commercialization of bypass grafts for vascular access and dialysis; and ii) development of laser activated vascular sealants, which have been commercialized, and many others medical devices currently in development