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Biomaterial studied at a molecular level
Women of impact
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Dr Susan Sandeman - advancing biomedical technology

Dr Susan Sandeman is a biomaterials scientist whose research focuses on ways to better understand and optimise the interaction of materials with the cells and tissues of the body in order to provide corrective treatments.

Susan’s early research into the impact of cellular ageing on corneal wound healing and how this impacts the success of novel ophthalmic biomaterials first drew her to a career in biomaterials research.

Susan Sandeman

Dr Susan Sandeman

It wasn’t until my PhD that I began to see science as a boundaried but evolving, creative enterprise. A research career in biomaterials provided the opportunity to contribute unique inventive steps to advance understanding within the field of biomedical technology.

Dr Susan Sandeman

Dr Susan Sandeman has subsequently led a team of researchers engaging with companies, clinicians and academic partners to develop a range of adsorbent, nanostructured and smart polymer materials as prototypes to replace or repair organ function. For example, kidney dialysis provides life-saving support when the kidneys fail but does not act as a complete replacement therapy, partially because significant detoxification and metabolic activities no longer occur. Working with a multidisciplinary team, it has been possible to design a range of ‘sticky’ nanostructured adsorbents with components in the size range of 1-100 nm for more effective removal of biological toxins linked to poor dialysis performance. Such adsorbents may also reduce the disrupted gut barrier function associated with chronic liver disease through broadly acting adsorption of the gut derived inflammatory and bacterial products which drive heightened susceptibility to infection.

Another approach under development is the design of blood perfusion scaffolds tethered with bioactive molecules to specifically bind to microorganism derived toxins in the treatment of life-threatening infection. Such scaffold approaches may also be adapted to improve functional liver cell longevity as part of a liver replacement therapy.

Grey scan showing a membrane supporting two vertical columns

Scanning electron micrograph showing microfibrous scaffolds coated to enhance cell adhesion (Biomaterials (2009)30:3143-3149)

Inspiring others

Susan is a strong advocate for the pivotal role of postgraduate research students in scientific innovation and the need for ambitious interdisciplinary training programmes involving placement opportunities to better facilitate communication across disciplinary boundaries. Linking local biomedical materials companies with the novel ideas emerging from international research consortiums is a key factor in successful biomaterials innovation.

Susan Sandeman and team

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