Call for Papers

Please contact the symposium organizers with questions.

Nanofibers, prepared by electrospinning and other techniques, have been undergoing growing investigation for biomedical applications, becoming increasingly significant in the landscape of healthcare technologies. Their exceptional biofriendly properties and carefully designed multi-functional properties propel nanofiber membranes into a unique role within the biomedical sphere. The previous MRS symposium on polymer nanofibers was held in Fall 2009, ~ 15 years ago. Considering the increasing demand for versatile and efficient biomedical solutions and corresponding important advances in electrospinning technologies, equipment and bio/medical applications, in-depth exploration and related exchange of communication regarding nanofiber capabilities are very timely.

Two main aspects of the symposium are (a) incorporation of advanced functional materials/additives, including novel drugs, micelles, cells, and nanoparticles, to nanofiber platforms and (b) novel nanofiber platforms for diverse biomedical applications including, but not limited, to drug delivery, tissue engineering, wound healing, cancer therapy, diabetes therapy, contraception, cosmetics, personal protection and biosensing. Technologies for nanofiber fabrication and nanofiber membranes approach will be covered in both fundamental and practical aspects, including the electrospinning technique. Overall, the symposium will be dedicated to sharing recent developments and discussing the current and future trends to pave the way for innovative therapeutic approaches and diagnostic tools.

Topics will include:

• Nanofiber Membranes - Fundamental and Practical Aspects of Electrospinning
• Other Advanced Technologies for Nanofiber Formation
• Drug Incorporation & Delivery
• Interaction with Cells (cells in fibers, fibers on cells)
• Functionalization with Nanoparticles
• Hydrogel Formation & Related Applications
• Transplant for Cancer Therapy
• Transplant for Diabetes Therapy
• Wound Care & Tissue Regeneration
• Contraception & Prevention of STDs
• Biomedical Sensors
• Electromechanical Stimulation
• Cosmetic Applications
• Personal Protection
• Other biomedical applications of Polymer Nanofibers

Invited Speakers (tentative):

• Blair Bettmann (Georgia Institute of Technology, USA)
• Il-Doo Kim (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Republic of Korea)
• Minglin Ma (Cornell University, USA)
• Fillipo Pierini (Instytut Podstawowych Problemów Techniki PAN, Poland)
• Dario Pisignano (University of Pisa, Italy)
• Norbert Radacsi (University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom)
• Jessica Schiffman (University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA)
• Urszula Stachewicz (AGH University of Science and Technology, Poland)
• Gareth Williams (University College London, United Kingdom)
• Gary Wnek (Case Western Reserve University, USA)
• Younan Xia (Georgia Institute of Technology, USA)

Symposium Organizers