Paul J. A. Borm, Ph.D. - MagnaMedics GmbH, Germany

Tools, Teaching  and Toxicology: Important Matters in Nanomedicine

Nanoscience and nanotechnologies are expected to bring more change in the  Life Sciences in the decades to come. Nanotech sweeps away the traditional barriers between mono-disciplines such as chemistry, physics and biology. For a successful exploitation and development of Nanotechnologies in Life Sciences, there is a need for bridging the gaps between science and practical engineering. To do this interdisciplinary teaching is needed that allows scientists and managers to cross current barriers between mono disciplinary temples.  Magnamedics is a start-up producing micro- and nanobeads for applications in diagnostics, imaging and drug delivery. Products are based on a versatile platform of different beads (silica, gelatine, PVA) that can be modulated with different payloads including paramagnetic nanoparticles, drugs, proteins and numerous surface modifications such as streptavidine, proteins and anti-bodies for capturing cells or bacteria.

The speaker will present the portfolio of the company, and discuss the business development in a muli-disciplinary setting of chemistry, material science and biochemistry. Currently Magnamedics has collaborations with several polytechnics and universities for applications of its bead technology. Magnamedics also seeks collaboration with other companies in the field of clinical diagnostics, imaging and drug delivery.

Since 2005, Professor Dr. Paul J.A. Borm is a scientific advisor of NanoTox Inc and since January 2006 he is shareholder and head of its European business operations.   He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmacology in 1984 from the University of Utrecht in The Netherlands. Apart from this he is director of Centre of Expertise at Zuyd University (Heerlen, NL) and holds a professorship at University of Dusseldorf (Germany). He is the author of more than 160 peer reviewed papers and more than 150 oral presentations on topics in occupational and environmental toxicology. He is an editorial board member in Human Experimental Toxicology and Inhalation Toxicology and co-editor of Particle and Fibre Toxicology.

The combination of his know-how in pharmacology, toxicology and management of interdisciplinary research projects and teams are his major skills. In his current functions he links fundamental and applied sciences with developments and needs in the public and private sector, such as health care, functional foods and Nanotechnologies. He is involved in a number of large-scale projects including education in Nanotechnology, Technology accelerator using Nanotechnology and cell therapy. Through BLIS2B (Borm Life Sciences to Business) Paul participates in start-ups involved in drug delivery (Magnamedics GmbH) and as a consultant in toxicological testing and risk assessment.

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