Nicholas A. Peppas

Peppasdec2014

Nicholas A. Peppas is a biomedical engineer and a leading figure in the field of biomaterials and drug delivery. He is known for his pioneering work in the development of hydrogels and intelligent drug delivery systems. Peppas has made significant contributions to the understanding and application of polymer science in medicine.

Early Life and Education

Nicholas A. Peppas was born in Athens, Greece. He received his undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from the National Technical University of Athens. He then moved to the United States to pursue his graduate studies, earning a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Career

Peppas began his academic career as a faculty member at Purdue University, where he established a renowned research program in biomaterials and drug delivery. He later joined the faculty at the University of Texas at Austin, where he holds the Cockrell Family Regents Chair in Engineering.

Research Contributions

Peppas is best known for his work on hydrogels, which are networks of polymer chains that can absorb large amounts of water. His research has led to the development of smart hydrogels that can respond to environmental stimuli such as pH, temperature, and glucose levels. These materials have applications in controlled drug release, tissue engineering, and biosensors.

Hydrogels

Peppas' work on hydrogels has focused on their use in drug delivery systems. He developed the concept of intelligent drug delivery systems, which can release therapeutic agents in response to specific physiological conditions. This has significant implications for the treatment of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer.

Drug Delivery Systems

Peppas has also made significant contributions to the field of drug delivery. His research has led to the development of novel delivery systems that can improve the bioavailability and efficacy of drugs. These systems include microparticles, nanoparticles, and polymeric micelles.

Awards and Honors

Nicholas A. Peppas has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science and engineering. These include:

• The Founders Award from the National Academy of Engineering
• The Guggenheim Fellowship
• The Acta Biomaterialia Gold Medal
• The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Founders Award

Professional Memberships

Peppas is a member of several prestigious organizations, including:

• The National Academy of Engineering
• The National Academy of Medicine
• The American Academy of Arts and Sciences
• The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering

Personal Life

Nicholas A. Peppas is married and has two children. He is an avid supporter of classical music and enjoys playing the piano in his free time.

See Also

• Biomaterials
• Drug delivery
• Hydrogels
• Polymer science
• Tissue engineering