Edith Mathiowitz
Professor:
Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology & Biotechnology
Phone: +1 401 863 1358
Edith_Mathiowitz@Brown.EDU
Research in our laboratory focuses on the polymer science-medicine interface. Areas of interest include development and modeling of novel drug delivery systems, particularly for the release of insulin and growth factors; designing small-diameter vascular grafts with better compliance; development of novel bioadhesive polymers for oral delivery systems; liquid crystals as smart sensors; the use of nanoparticles as novel therapeutic delivery systems (nanomedicine), tissue markings, DNA delivery.
Biography
Dr. Mathiowitz, Associate Professor of Medical Science & Engineering and Director of the Graduate Program in Artificial Organs, Biomaterials, and Cellular Technology in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Biotechnology of Brown University, received her Ph.D. in the Department of Structural Chemistry at the Weizmann Institute. At MIT, she continued her research as a postdoctoral student under Dr. Robert Langer. Since then, Dr. Mathiowitz has been involved in research developing oral bioadhesive delivery systems for Proteins and genes, microencapsulation of proteins and genes, and tissue engineering of vascular grafts. She has published 90 papers, has 30 patents, and is a consultant to many biotech companies. She is also the founder of Spherics. A RI Biotech company.
Interests
Research in our laboratory focuses on the interface between polymer science and biology. Areas of interest include:
- Tissue engineering and drug ad gene delivery;
- Development, modeling, and morphological analysis of novel drug delivery systems, particularly for the release of macromolecules, such as insulin and growth factors;
- Synthesis and characterization of biomaterials for drug delivery systems;
- Studies of polymer-protein interactions with emphasis in the development of bioerodible polymers involving the use of mild fabrication techniques;
- Developing of bioadhesive polymers for use as oral delivery systems;
- Design and development of modulated sensors that respond to external stimuli (e.g., light heat).
All of these studies are directed to create easier and more sophisticated ways to administer therapeutic agents into the body exactly where and when they are needed. Most therapeutic peptides and proteins easily degrade when taken orally and are too unstable to withstand packing in slow-release mechanisms - they all require frequent parenteral injections. Understanding the basics of delivery systems is the key for better medications in the future.
Studies of polymer-cell interaction, with particular emphasis on bioadhesion; development of the basic relationship between polymer structures (molecular and morphological) and living tissue; surface modification for enhancement of cell adhesion, an area of particular importance in the development of oral delivery systems as well as small vascular grafts.
Development of theoretical and experimental procedures to process microcapsules based on biomaterials; processing of polymeric composites based on microencapsulation. A wide range of polymers and polymer blends are investigated, including interpenetrating networks, amorphous, semicrystalline, and liquid crystal polymers.
Degrees
Ph,D., Weizman Institute of Science, Israel, 1985
Awards
2000 The Eurand Award for Excellence in Research in the Area of Oral Drug Delivery Systems.
1994 Recognition Award for Excellence in Guiding Graduate Student Research. Controlled Release Society—Procter & Gamble. Awarded in Nice, France.
1991-1993 Whitaker Foundation Award.
1985-1987 Bantrell Postdoctoral Fellowship (MIT). A competitive award at MIT in the field of surface science.
1979-1984 Feinberg Fellowship, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel. A competitive award conferred for graduate research students.
1982 Delek Prize for distinctive research work (Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel).
1973 Distinction Prize for B.Sc. students (Tel Aviv University, Israel).
Institution
Bu
Affiliations
Controlled Release Society
American Chemical Society (Polymer Division)
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Material Research Society
Biomaterials Society
American Society for Artificial Internal Organs (ASAIO)
Teaching
1992-present Annual speaker in a short course entitled "Formulation Development of Therapeutic Proteins and Drug Delivery Systems For Peptides and Protein Drugs. Controlled Release Systems for Proteins." organized by the American Chemical Society. Chicago, Illinois.
1992-present Teaching Bio 211, "Biomaterials," graduate level course. Biomaterials course is an overview of materials considered biocompatible.
1991-present Teaching Bio 109, "Polymers for Artificial Organs" an undergraduate/graduate level course serving as an introduction to polymer science.
1990 Lecturer in course on microencapsulation. "Microencapsulation and Nanoencapsulation - Process and Pharmaceutical Applications", Sponsored by the Controlled Release Society, Boston, May 14-15, 1990.
1979-1981 Lecturer of chemistry at the "Reali" Gymnasium, Rishon Le Zion, Israel.
1974-1975 Physics and chemistry lecturer in an adult education program at Israel Institute of Biological Research, Nes Ziona, Israel.
Web Links
- Taking professors' inventions to market through Research Foundation (GSJ of Oct. 27, 2000)
- Learning in the lab of Mathiowitz
