Event 1: Growing Cells on Apples, LEGOs and Bread. Why Developing Unconventional Biomaterials Matters

 Event One 

    This event was a guest lecture from Prof. Andrew E. Pelling on the 26th of April, who spoke about unconventional Biomaterials. Prior to the lecture I did not realize what exactly biomaterials were used for or what he meant by "nonconventional". 

 

    From what I now understand, Biomaterials are materials from outside of the body, implanted into and accepted by said body. They are materials traditionally are highly manufactured and have strict criteria they follow as to. What marks Prof. Pelling materials as unconventional is that they are already natural and not manufactured. He uses thinks like apples and asparagus, which completely go against the grain, even making It a game with his colleges to go into grocery stores and finding the "cheapest" biomaterials there.

My largest take away from the lecture as less so to do with the actual study, and more to do with the scientific method that proved itself throughout the study. Starting with a fascination and resulting in a medical devise I believe is a beautiful thing. To carry out these experiments to try and answer a question, and to problem solve as the experiments lead down an unknown path is truly inspiring. There is also the business aspect that I have never considered, he mentioned that he has started several companies to market and produce their products, from medical devises to more affordable lab equipment. This is something I will try and incorporate into my midterm, not only the project itself but the marketing economics of the project.

Sources: 

Online brochure for the lecture: Microsoft PowerPoint - 04.26.21 Andrew Pelling.ppt [Compatibility Mode] (ucla.edu)

Could we treat spinal cord injuries with asparagus? (2020). TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/andrew_pelling_could_we_treat_spinal_cord_injuries_with_asparagus 

Pelling, A. (2020, November 10). Building the scaffolding of life. Spiderwort. CelluBridge - Spiderwort (spiderwortbio.com)

Pelling, A. (2020, November 10). Building the scaffolding of life. Spiderwort. CelluJuve - Spiderwort (spiderwortbio.com)

Pelling, A. (2020, November 12). FDA grants a Breakthrough Device Designation for Spiderwort Spinal Cord Technology. Spiderwort. https://spiderwortbio.com/news/fda-grants-a-breakthrough-device-designation-for-spiderwort-spinal-cord-technology/.

Image sources:

Image of Prof. Pelling: Andrew-Pelling-300x300.jpg (300×300) (apegaconference.ca)

Picture 2: A slide from the lecture that I took a picture of

Picture 3: A slide from the lecture that I took a picture of

Picture 4: A slide from the lecture that I took a picture of