W. Mark Saltzman

American biomedical engineer

W. Mark Saltzman is a prominent American biomedical engineer known for his pioneering work in the fields of drug delivery, tissue engineering, and nanotechnology. He is currently the Goizueta Foundation Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Chemical & Environmental Engineering, and Physiology at Yale University.

Early life and education

W. Mark Saltzman was born in 1959 in Iowa, United States. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Iowa State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering in 1981. He then went on to complete his Ph.D. in Medical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1987, where he worked under the guidance of renowned scientists in the field of biomedical engineering.

Academic career

Committed to Undergraduate Teaching

Saltzman began his academic career as an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University in the Department of Chemical Engineering. During his tenure at Johns Hopkins, he developed innovative methods for drug delivery and tissue engineering, which laid the foundation for his future research.

In 2002, Saltzman joined the faculty at Yale University, where he has continued to advance the field of biomedical engineering. At Yale, he has been instrumental in developing new educational programs and has been recognized for his commitment to undergraduate teaching.

Research contributions

Saltzman's research has significantly impacted the fields of drug delivery and tissue engineering. He is particularly known for his work on biodegradable polymers for controlled drug release and the development of nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery.

Drug delivery systems

Gliadel Wafer

One of Saltzman's notable contributions is the development of the Gliadel Wafer, a biodegradable polymer implant used to deliver chemotherapy directly to brain tumors. This innovation has improved the treatment of glioblastoma by allowing for localized drug delivery, reducing systemic side effects.

Nanotechnology

Nanoparticle

Saltzman has also been a leader in the application of nanotechnology to medicine. His work on nanoparticles has enabled the development of new methods for delivering drugs to specific cells and tissues, enhancing the efficacy and safety of treatments for various diseases.

Tissue engineering

In the field of tissue engineering, Saltzman has developed techniques for creating artificial tissues and organs. His research has focused on the use of biomaterials to support cell growth and tissue regeneration, with applications in regenerative medicine and transplantation.

Awards and honors

Throughout his career, Saltzman has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to biomedical engineering. He is a fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering and has been recognized by several professional organizations for his innovative research and dedication to education.

Related pages

• Biomedical engineering
• Drug delivery
• Tissue engineering
• Nanotechnology