BME DISTINGUISHED RESEARCH SEMINAR SERIES

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025

9:30 – 10:20 am, MJIS 1001

ZOOM LINK: https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/98358387298

*Note: Students enrolled in the seminar course are expected to attend in person.

“Bridging the Gap: Translational Research and Product Development for ECM-based Bioimplants”

Beth Young

Sports Medicine Product Manager at LifeNet Health

Abstract: Extracellular matrix (ECM)-based biomaterials, especially xenograft scaffolds and allograft tissues, have gained significant traction in the healthcare marketplace for tissue repair and regeneration. However, translating novel biomaterials and manufacturing techniques into clinical practice faces substantial challenges and often lags behind advancements in academic research. To bridge this gap, intentional industry collaborations and a clear understanding of commercialization strategies can facilitate the translation of research. Key elements to consider include unmet needs, surgeon preferences, and patient outcomes. As Biomedical Engineers, we play a crucial role in translating this science through effective communication, educating regulatory bodies, and conducting relevant foundational research to promote technological adoption and prevent industry stagnation.

In this seminar, Dr. Young will discuss emerging trends in ECM-derived bioimplants and share insights from her career path, which has spanned academia, start-up companies, and the commercialization of orthopedic and cardiovascular allograft-based products. She will demonstrate how consistent user input and a well-defined regulatory and market strategy from the ideation phase can set the technology up for success. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about the latest advancements and strategies for successful translational research in bio-implants.

Biography: Dr. Bethany Young is a Sports Medicine Product Manager at LifeNet Health in Virginia Beach, Virginia. LifeNet Health is a global leader in transplant solutions, providing a wide range of services, from organ transplantation and clinical biologics to human-based life science applications. Dr. Young's work in clinical biologic product development focuses on tissue engineering of allografts for orthopedic and cardiovascular applications, maximizing the gift of donation. Her career has evolved into a strategic role, where she guides product development from the bench, leveraging her expertise in directing product design by gathering user input and translating it into engineering requirements. Prior to joining LifeNet Health, Dr. Young served as a Senior Development Engineer at Tympanogen, a Richmond-based otologic medical device startup. There, she led the development and regulatory efforts for new technologies, including their flagship product, the Perf-Fix Otologic Gel Patch. Perf-Fix is the first nonsurgical gel patch designed for eardrum repair and will be the only product on the market for this procedure to receive approval for pediatric use. Dr. Young holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Richmond. She also earned her doctorate and master’s degrees in Biomedical Engineering from Virginia Commonwealth University, specializing in pulmonary tissue engineering and biomaterial design. Her research, which involves incorporating concentrated ECM into tissue-specific scaffolds through electrospinning, tunable hydrogels, and whole organ bioengineering, fueled her passion for discovering new regenerative medicine solutions that utilize ECM-based materials.

~ BME Host: BMEGSA ~

Boiler Up!

Rhonda Jones (she/her/hers)

Senior Marketing and Communications Professional

Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering

O 765.494.3940 | C  765.427.2065

rwjones@purdue.edu