Purdue News Memo
Purdue News Memo
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To: Journalists From: Emil Venere, Purdue News Service Date: Oct. 18, 2000 Subject: Oct. 20 biotech research event Nicholas A. Peppas, in receiving Purdue University's most prestigious research award, will give a lecture about some of his most recent work at 3:30 p.m. on Friday (10/20) in Fowler Hall, at the university's main campus in West Lafayette. As the recipient of this year's Herbert Newby McCoy Award, he will deliver the McCoy Distinguished Lecture. Peppas, the Showalter Distinguished Professor of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, has generally been recognized for fundamental and prolific contributions to polymer engineering and science, biomedical engineering and pharmaceutical engineering. His work has led to the development of new biomaterials and medical devices, including artificial vocal cords, contact lenses, linings for artificial hearts, artificial cartilage, a wide range of drug delivery devices and the recently commercialized oral insulin delivery systems. Most recently, his work has resulted in: • Creation of a new class of non-toxic materials that might be used to deliver medicines orally instead of by injection. The tiny "microspheres," made primarily of the same "superabsorbent" material in diapers, might be used to treat conditions for which medicines, such as insulin, cannot be administered orally because they are broken down in the acidic environment of the stomach. A news release about that work is available online. • Development of a technique that might be used to glue cells or DNA to the surfaces of computer "biochips," a technology aimed at making diagnostic devices to be implanted in the body or used to quickly analyze food and laboratory samples. A news release about that work is available online. Immediately following the lecture, there will be a reception in the Stewart Art Gallery. Note: This lecture will be geared toward a scientific audience. For additional information, feel free to contact me at (765) 494-4709, evenere@purdue.edu, or Nicholas Peppas at (765) 494-7944, peppas@ecn.purdue.edu.
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