Thomas J Webster

Title : Introducing 4D printing for stem cell delivery to and function in the brain: Improving viability, differentiation, and brain function

Abstract:

Stem cells have not provided the universal, effective solution to neurological diseases that they were once thought to provide. In particular, maintaining stem cell viability during and after implantation into the brain has proved problematic. The use of enzymes (such as trypsin) to lift cells off of typical cell culture dishes so that they can be injected into the brain is particularly problematic as reports indicate up to 60% cell death. Further, once in the brain, stem cells often migrate away from damaged tissue towards cytokines produced from healthy cells in the brain. This presentation will present first-time data where 4D printed materials were designed and developed to reduce stem cell death during implantation and reduce stem cell migration after implantation. 4D printing refers to 3D printed materials which can change shape over time, remotely, wirelessly and on-demand. Promising in vitro and in vivo data will be presented to highlight the promise of this new classification of materials for treating numerous neurological problems. 

Audience Take Away

• The concept of 4D printing
• The promise and failures of stem cell use in the brain
• Approaches to treat numerous neurological diseases

Biography:

Thomas J. Webster’s (H index: 113; Google Scholar) degrees are in chemical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh (B.S., 1995; USA) and in biomedical engineering from RPI (Ph.D., 2000; USA). He has served as a professor at Purdue (2000-2005), Brown (2005-2012), and Northeastern (2012-2021; serving as Chemical Engineering Department Chair from 2012-2019) Universities and has formed over a dozen companies who have numerous FDA approved medical products currently improving human health.  He is currently helping those companies and serves as a professor at Hebei University of Technology, Saveetha University, Vellore Institute of Technology, UFPI, and others.  Dr. Webster has numerous awards including: 2020, World Top 2% Scientist by Citations (PLOS); 2020, SCOPUS Highly Cited Research (Top 1% Materials Science and Mixed Fields); 2021, Clarivate Top 0.1% Most Influential Researchers (Pharmacology and Toxicology); 2022, Best Materials Science Scientist by Citations (Research.com); and is a fellow of over 8 societies.