From Pull-up Diapers to Teeth Whitening and Ocular Implants How I Have Used MIT Learnings Over the Past Thirty Years in the Real World

Michael A. Drzewinski, Sc.D. - 1986

Reflections on a Career:

Istituto G. Donegani S.p.A., Novara Research Center, Novara, Italy

1982-1986: MIT – Crystallization in Diblock Copolymers

1986-1989: Kimberly-Clark – Elastic Fibers to Form Fitting Diapers

1989-1995: EniChem – TPE’s, Engineering Polymers, Optical Switching

1995-1998: Allied Signal – Seatbelts, Airbags, Body Armor, Engineering Resins

1998-2008: ISP – Personal Care, Pharma., Beer, Dialysis, Gas Hydrates

2008-2015: TRI/Princeton – Natural Fibers, Hair, Skin Biophysics

2015 – Present: Vertellus – Coatings, Biomaterials, Dialysis, Nylon Alloys

Biomimicry:Cell membrane → Phospholipids → PC polymers

• Improved blood compatibility

• Prevention of protein adsorption

• Resistance to biofilm formation

• Reduced inflammatory reaction

• Controlled drug delivery

• Enhanced hydrophilicity & wettability

Commercialized PC Products

• Drug eluting stents

• PC contact lenses

• Cardiopulmonary bypass

• Ureteric stents

Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB)

• Oxygenator, heat exchanger, pump, arterial filter, reservoir, PVC tubing

• Coated with synthetic PC polymers• Reduced protein adsorption• Diminished blood activation• Resistance to clot formation• Improved wettability

Uncoated Blood Filter PC Coated Blood FilterPC-Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lens

New PC-Silicone Hydrogels

• Novel polymeric systems• Excellent balance of properties• Reduced protein adsorption & cell adhesion• Adjustable water content • Enhanced oxygen permeability• Capable of controlled delivery• Advancing to ophthalmic implants

Ocular Implant

My Greatest Learning from Bob:“Surround yourself with people who are better than you”