Thomas J. Webster

Last updated
Thomas J. Webster
NationalityAmerican
Education University of Pittsburgh
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Scientific career
Fields Biomedical engineering
Chemical engineering
Nanomedicine
Institutions Northeastern University, Purdue University, Brown University, Hebei Institute of Technology, Saveetha University, Federal University of Piaui
Thesis Design, synthesis, and evaluation of nanophase ceramics for orthopaedic/dental applications  (2000)
Doctoral advisors Rena Bizios
Richard W. Siegel

Thomas J. Webster is an American biomedical engineer, researcher, and entrepreneur. Throughout his over 25-year academic career, his research group has produced several books and book chapters. He has over 1350 publications and has an H-index of 118. [1]

Contents

Education

Webster holds a BSc degree in chemical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh (1995), and an MSc and PhD (2000) in biomedical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, NY). Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is the oldest engineering school in the U.S. [2] [3]

Research

Webster's research has examined the multiple uses of nanotechnology. His studies focus on the development, production, and assessment of nanophase materials as superior biomedical materials. [4] He has conducted in-depth research on the application of nanophase materials for tissue regeneration. [5] [6] His research has focussed on hydroxyapatite, the major inorganic component to bone. [7] [8] [9] In contrast to hydroxyapatite that had not been doped, Webster's research on osteoblast (bone-forming cells) response to hydroxyapatite doped with divalent and trivalent cations showed that osteoblast adherence and differentiation on the doped HA were boosted. [10] [11] In other research, he creates surfaces with nanostructures that have been FDA-approved for implantation in tissues like bone, the spine, and dental applications. [12]

In addition, he is particularly involved in creating nanoparticles that may enter biofilms, lessen inflammation, and specifically target cancer cells. [13] [14] Dr. Webster was the first to identify improved tissue growth on nanomaterials. [6] [15] He was the first to identify decreased bacteria functions on nanomaterials. [16] [17] [18] Dr. Webster was the first to establish a mathematical equation that can be used to predict nanoscale surface features to improve tissue growth, reduce infection, and limit infection. [19] He trademarked this process as “Nano-Optimized”, 2008. [20]

Career

Webster is presently[ when? ] the chief nano scientific officer at PrinterPrezz in Fremont, California, and serves as the chief scientific officer of his numerous start-up companies. He started his career as an assistant professor at the Purdue University. His research on nanomedicine has received attention in media including MSNBC , NBC Nightly News , PBS DragonFly TV , ABC Nightly News via the Ivanhoe Medical Breakthrough Segment , Fox News , the Weather Channel , NBC Today Show , National Geographic 's TV series on the future of medicine, ABC Boston , Discovery Channel , and OpenAccess Government . [21] [22] [23] [24] His work has been on display at the London and Boston Science Museums. [25] [26]

Awards and honors

Webster has been honored with many awards including:

Webster has received numerous honors including: [21] [30]

Editorships

Webster is serving as the Editor-in-chief of the Research Journal of Medical and Health Sciences and was the founding editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Nanomedicine pioneering the open-access format. [32]

Patents

Webster has obtained many patents for his inventions and his patents including:

These patents have formed many companies who have commercial products including Audax, NanoVis, NanoVis Spine, Perios, Dental Regen, Quarksen, SynCell, Novaraum, AKiCept, Zeda, MetaFree, and Interstellar Therapeutics.

Publications

Webster and his team have published over 1350 peer-reviewed publications. His H-index places him in the top 1% of cited articles by researchers in materials science.

An example of these articles appear below:

Controversies

Retractions

As of September 1, 2024, at least seven articles co-authored by Webster have been retracted.

Departure from Northeastern

Webster resigned from his position at Northeastern in 2021, reportedly "after dozens of his studies came under scrutiny online." [48] Webster later stated, "An external investigation panel appointed by Northeastern University consisting of world renowned researchers came to the conclusion in their final report that I had not fabricated or falsified data, and subsequently cleared me of any academic wrongdoing." [49]

Related Research Articles

Nanomedicine is the medical application of nanotechnology. Nanomedicine ranges from the medical applications of nanomaterials and biological devices, to nanoelectronic biosensors, and even possible future applications of molecular nanotechnology such as biological machines. Current problems for nanomedicine involve understanding the issues related to toxicity and environmental impact of nanoscale materials.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hydroxyapatite</span> Naturally occurring mineral form of calcium apatite

Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring mineral form of calcium apatite with the formula Ca5(PO4)3(OH), often written Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 to denote that the crystal unit cell comprises two entities. It is the hydroxyl endmember of the complex apatite group. The OH ion can be replaced by fluoride or chloride, producing fluorapatite or chlorapatite. It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system. Pure hydroxyapatite powder is white. Naturally occurring apatites can, however, also have brown, yellow, or green colorations, comparable to the discolorations of dental fluorosis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bioglass 45S5</span> Bioactive glass biomaterial

Bioglass 45S5 or calcium sodium phosphosilicate, is a bioactive glass specifically composed of 45 wt% SiO2, 24.5 wt% CaO, 24.5 wt% Na2O, and 6.0 wt% P2O5. Typical applications of Bioglass 45S5 include: bone grafting biomaterials, repair of periodontal defects, cranial and maxillofacial repair, wound care, blood loss control, stimulation of vascular regeneration, and nerve repair.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Biomaterial</span> Any substance that has been engineered to interact with biological systems for a medical purpose

A biomaterial is a substance that has been engineered to interact with biological systems for a medical purpose – either a therapeutic or a diagnostic one. The corresponding field of study, called biomaterials science or biomaterials engineering, is about fifty years old. It has experienced steady growth over its history, with many companies investing large amounts of money into the development of new products. Biomaterials science encompasses elements of medicine, biology, chemistry, tissue engineering and materials science.

Magnetofection is a transfection method that uses magnetic fields to concentrate particles containing vectors to target cells in the body. Magnetofection has been adapted to a variety of vectors, including nucleic acids, non-viral transfection systems, and viruses. This method offers advantages such as high transfection efficiency and biocompatibility which are balanced with limitations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tejal A. Desai</span> American Nanotechnologist (born 1972)

Tejal Ashwin Desai is Sorensen Family Dean of Engineering at Brown University. Prior to joining Brown, she was the Deborah Cowan Endowed Professor in the Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences at University of California, San Francisco, Director of the Health Innovations via Engineering Initiative (HIVE), and head of the Therapeutic Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory. She was formerly an associate professor at Boston University (2002–06) and an assistant professor at University of Illinois at Chicago (1998–2001). She is a researcher in the area of therapeutic micro and nanotechnology and has authored and edited at least one book on the subject and another on biomaterials.

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to nanotechnology:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clemens van Blitterswijk</span>

Clemens A. van Blitterswijk is a Dutch tissue engineer who contributed to the use of biomaterials to heal bone injuries, especially using osteoinductive ceramics. In collaboration with Jan de Boer and others, he has contributed to screening microtextures to study cell-biomaterial interactions, an approach termed materiomics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Artificial bone</span> Bone-like material

Artificial bone refers to bone-like material created in a laboratory that can be used in bone grafts, to replace human bone that was lost due to severe fractures, disease, etc.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arginylglycylaspartic acid</span> Chemical compound

Arginylglycylaspartic acid (RGD) is the most common peptide motif responsible for cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM), found in species ranging from Drosophila to humans. Cell adhesion proteins called integrins recognize and bind to this sequence, which is found within many matrix proteins, including fibronectin, fibrinogen, vitronectin, osteopontin, and several other adhesive extracellular matrix proteins. The discovery of RGD and elucidation of how RGD binds to integrins has led to the development of a number of drugs and diagnostics, while the peptide itself is used ubiquitously in bioengineering. Depending on the application and the integrin targeted, RGD can be chemically modified or replaced by a similar peptide which promotes cell adhesion.

Adsorption is the accumulation and adhesion of molecules, atoms, ions, or larger particles to a surface, but without surface penetration occurring. The adsorption of larger biomolecules such as proteins is of high physiological relevance, and as such they adsorb with different mechanisms than their molecular or atomic analogs. Some of the major driving forces behind protein adsorption include: surface energy, intermolecular forces, hydrophobicity, and ionic or electrostatic interaction. By knowing how these factors affect protein adsorption, they can then be manipulated by machining, alloying, and other engineering techniques to select for the most optimal performance in biomedical or physiological applications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Surface modification of biomaterials with proteins</span>

Biomaterials are materials that are used in contact with biological systems. Biocompatibility and applicability of surface modification with current uses of metallic, polymeric and ceramic biomaterials allow alteration of properties to enhance performance in a biological environment while retaining bulk properties of the desired device.

A simulated body fluid (SBF) is a solution with an ion concentration close to that of human blood plasma, kept under mild conditions of pH and identical physiological temperature. SBF was first introduced by Kokubo et al. in order to evaluate the changes on a surface of a bioactive glass ceramic. Later, cell culture media, in combination with some methodologies adopted in cell culture, were proposed as an alternative to conventional SBF in assessing the bioactivity of materials.

The applications of nanotechnology, commonly incorporate industrial, medicinal, and energy uses. These include more durable construction materials, therapeutic drug delivery, and higher density hydrogen fuel cells that are environmentally friendly. Being that nanoparticles and nanodevices are highly versatile through modification of their physiochemical properties, they have found uses in nanoscale electronics, cancer treatments, vaccines, hydrogen fuel cells, and nanographene batteries.

The in vivo bioreactor is a tissue engineering paradigm that uses bioreactor methodology to grow neotissue in vivo that augments or replaces malfunctioning native tissue. Tissue engineering principles are used to construct a confined, artificial bioreactor space in vivo that hosts a tissue scaffold and key biomolecules necessary for neotissue growth. Said space often requires inoculation with pluripotent or specific stem cells to encourage initial growth, and access to a blood source. A blood source allows for recruitment of stem cells from the body alongside nutrient delivery for continual growth. This delivery of cells and nutrients to the bioreactor eventually results in the formation of a neotissue product. 

Nanocomposite hydrogels are nanomaterial-filled, hydrated, polymeric networks that exhibit higher elasticity and strength relative to traditionally made hydrogels. A range of natural and synthetic polymers are used to design nanocomposite network. By controlling the interactions between nanoparticles and polymer chains, a range of physical, chemical, and biological properties can be engineered. The combination of organic (polymer) and inorganic (clay) structure gives these hydrogels improved physical, chemical, electrical, biological, and swelling/de-swelling properties that cannot be achieved by either material alone. Inspired by flexible biological tissues, researchers incorporate carbon-based, polymeric, ceramic and/or metallic nanomaterials to give these hydrogels superior characteristics like optical properties and stimulus-sensitivity which can potentially be very helpful to medical and mechanical fields.

Dr. Jiban Jyoti Panda is an Indian scientist specializing in the field of nano-biotechnology. She has been awarded numerous awards in recognition for her work including the UNESCO - L`Oreal For Women in Science Fellowship, which recognizes the achievements of exceptional women across the globe.

Irene Rena Bizios is an American bioengineer. She is the Peter Flawn Professor at University of Texas at San Antonio and the Lutcher Brown Chair Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Bizios is an Elected Fellow of the National Academy of Medicine, National Academy of Inventors, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Her current interests are cellular and tissue engineering, biocompability and tissue-biomaterial relationships.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joyce Wong</span> American engineer and professor

Joyce Y. Wong is an American engineer who is Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering at Boston University. Her research develops novel biomaterials for the early detection treatment of disease. Wong is the Inaugural Director of the Provost's Initiative to promote gender equality and inclusion in STEM at all levels: Advance, Recruit, Retain and Organize Women in STEM. She is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering and Biomedical Engineering Society.

Sarah Harriet Cartmell is a British biomaterials scientist and Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Manchester. She specializes on the potential use of electrical regimes to influence cellular activity for orthopaedic tissue engineering applications.

References

  1. "thomas j webster". scholar.google.co.in. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
  2. "Thomas J Webster | Materials Science Conferences | Materials Conferences | Material Science and Engineering Congress 2024". magnusconferences.com. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
  3. Press, Dove. "Dr Thomas J Webster | Dove Press editor profile". www.dovepress.com. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
  4. Nicodemo, Allie (2017-12-13). "Thomas Webster named Fellow of National Academy of Inventors". Northeastern Global News. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
  5. Webster, Thomas J (September 2007). Nanotechnology for the Regeneration of Hard and Soft Tissues. doi:10.1142/6421. ISBN   978-981-270-615-7.
  6. 1 2 Zhang, Lijie; Webster, Thomas J. (2009-02-01). "Nanotechnology and nanomaterials: Promises for improved tissue regeneration". Nano Today. 4 (1): 66–80. doi:10.1016/j.nantod.2008.10.014. ISSN   1748-0132.
  7. Balasundaram, Ganesan; Sato, Michiko; Webster, Thomas J. (2006-05-01). "Using hydroxyapatite nanoparticles and decreased crystallinity to promote osteoblast adhesion similar to functionalizing with RGD". Biomaterials. 27 (14): 2798–2805. doi:10.1016/j.biomaterials.2005.12.008. ISSN   0142-9612. PMID   16430957.
  8. Kargozar, Saeid; Mollazadeh, Sahar; Kermani, Farzad; Webster, Thomas J.; Nazarnezhad, Simin; Hamzehlou, Sepideh; Baino, Francesco (September 2022). "Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles for Improved Cancer Theranostics". Journal of Functional Biomaterials. 13 (3): 100. doi: 10.3390/jfb13030100 . ISSN   2079-4983. PMC   9326646 . PMID   35893468.
  9. Webster, Thomas J.; Ahn, Edward S. (2007), Lee, Kyongbum; Kaplan, David (eds.), "Nanostructured Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering Bone", Tissue Engineering II: Basics of Tissue Engineering and Tissue Applications, Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology, vol. 103, Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer, pp. 275–308, doi:10.1007/10_021, ISBN   978-3-540-36186-2, PMID   17195467 , retrieved 2023-07-10
  10. Yao, Chang; Slamovich, Elliott B.; Webster, Thomas J. (April 2008). "Enhanced osteoblast functions on anodized titanium with nanotube-like structures". Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A. 85A (1): 157–166. doi:10.1002/jbm.a.31551. PMID   17688267.
  11. MacMillan, Adam K.; Lamberti, Francis V.; Moulton, Julia N.; Geilich, Benjamin M.; Webster, Thomas J. (2014-12-02). "Similar healthy osteoclast and osteoblast activity on nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite and nanoparticles of tri-calcium phosphate compared to natural bone". International Journal of Nanomedicine. 9 (1): 5627–5637. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S66852 . PMC   4260657 . PMID   25506216.
  12. Jones, A-Andrew D.; Mi, Gujie; Webster, Thomas J. (February 2019). "A Status Report on FDA Approval of Medical Devices Containing Nanostructured Materials". Trends in Biotechnology. 37 (2): 117–120. doi: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2018.06.003 . ISSN   0167-7799. PMID   30075863. S2CID   51909976.
  13. Bhardwaj, Garima; Yazici, Hilal; Webster, Thomas J. (2015-04-30). "Reducing bacteria and macrophage density on nanophase hydroxyapatite coated onto titanium surfaces without releasing pharmaceutical agents". Nanoscale. 7 (18): 8416–8427. Bibcode:2015Nanos...7.8416B. doi:10.1039/C5NR00471C. ISSN   2040-3372. PMID   25876524.
  14. Shi, Di; Mi, Gujie; Wang, Mian; Webster, Thomas J. (2019-04-01). "In vitro and ex vivo systems at the forefront of infection modeling and drug discovery". Biomaterials. Organoids and Ex Vivo Tissue On-Chip Technologies. 198: 228–249. doi:10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.10.030. ISSN   0142-9612. PMC   7172914 . PMID   30384974.
  15. Alpaslan, Ece; Webster, Thomas J. (2014-05-05). "Nanotechnology and picotechnology to increase tissue growth: a summary of in vivo studies". International Journal of Nanomedicine. 9 (Supplement 1): 7–12. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S58384 . PMC   4024972 . PMID   24872699.
  16. Yao, Chang; Webster, Thomas J.; Hedrick, Matthew (June 2014). "Decreased bacteria density on nanostructured polyurethane: Decreased Bacteria Density on Nanostructured Polyurethane". Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A. 102 (6): 1823–1828. doi:10.1002/jbm.a.34856. PMID   23784968.
  17. Mathew, Dennis; Bhardwaj, Garima; Wang, Qi; Sun, Linlin; Ercan, Batur; Geetha, Manisavagam; Webster, Thomas J. (2014-04-08). "Decreased Staphylococcus aureus and increased osteoblast density on nanostructured electrophoretic-deposited hydroxyapatite on titanium without the use of pharmaceuticals". International Journal of Nanomedicine. 9 (1): 1775–1781. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S55733 . PMC   3986289 . PMID   24748789.
  18. Machado, Mary C.; Tarquinio, Keiko M.; Webster, Thomas J. (2012-07-19). "Decreased Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation on nanomodified endotracheal tubes: a dynamic airway model". International Journal of Nanomedicine. 7: 3741–3750. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S28191 . PMC   3418105 . PMID   22904622.
  19. Benjamin, T. B.; Bona, J. L.; Mahony, J. J. (1972-03-30). "Model equations for long waves in nonlinear dispersive systems". Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series A, Mathematical and Physical Sciences. 272 (1220): 47–78. Bibcode:1972RSPTA.272...47B. doi:10.1098/rsta.1972.0032. ISSN   0080-4614. S2CID   120673596.
  20. "openaccessgovernment.org".
  21. 1 2 Webster, Thomas J. (14 March 2023). Nanomedicine (2nd ed.). Elsevier Science. ISBN   978-0-12-818627-5 . Retrieved 2023-07-10.{{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  22. "openaccessgovernment.org".
  23. "Nanomedicine for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and other viruses". Research Outreach. 2022-07-21. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
  24. "openaccessgovernment.org".
  25. Reis, Rui L. "Thomas J Webster". International College of Fellows Biomaterials Science & Engineering. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
  26. "northeastern.edu" (PDF).
  27. "BMES Rita Schaffer Young Investigator Award - Biomedical Engineering Society". www.bmes.org. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
  28. "Acta Biomaterialia Silver Medal Award - News - Materialia - Journal - Elsevier". www.journals.elsevier.com. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
  29. "Thomas J. Webster, Ph.D." MAScIR. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
  30. "lavoisier.eu".
  31. 1 2 "Thomas J Webster | Nanotechnology Conferences 2024 | Nanomaterials Conference 2024 | Nanomaterials Conferences | Nanoscience Conferences 2024 | Nano Event 2024". worldnanotechnologyconference.com. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
  32. "Editorial Team | Research Journal in Medical and Health Sciences". royalliteglobal.com. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  33. US10344300B2,Chen, Yunpeng; Chen, Qian& Webster, Thomas J.et al.,"Nanotubes as carriers of nucleic acids into cells",issued 2019-07-09
  34. US20030050711A1,Laurencin, Cato&Ko, Frank,"Hybrid nanofibril matrices for use as tissue engineering devices",issued 2003-03-13
  35. US7993412B2,Webster, Thomas J.&McKENZIE, Janice L.,"Nanofibers as a neural biomaterial",issued 2011-08-09
  36. US10201634B2,Webster, Thomas J.; Fenniri, Hicham& Hemraz, Usha Devi,"Nanotubes and compositions thereof",issued 2019-02-12
  37. US10751280B2,Hennemann, Willard W.; Steelman, Bryan L.& Webster, Thomas J.,"Implantable cellular and biotherapeutic agent delivery canister",issued 2020-08-25
  38. US20110125263A1,Webster, Thomas J.&Yao, Chang,"Method for producing nanostructures on a surface of a medical implant",issued 2011-05-26
  39. US11560014B2,Webster, Thomas J.,"Nanostructured surfaces",issued 2023-01-24
  40. US20220071919A1,Cruz, David Medina; CRUA, Ada Vernet& Webster, Thomas J.,"Tellurium Nanostructures with Antimicrobial and Anticancer Properties Synthesized by Aloe Vera-Mediated Green Chemistry",issued 2022-03-10
  41. EP1613248B1,Webster, Thomas J.&Ejiofor, Jeremiah U.,"Metallic nanoparticles as orthopedic biomaterial",issued 2012-08-01
  42. WO2012009433A1,Webster, Thomas J.&Tran, Phong Anh,"Antipathogenic surfaces having selenium nanoclusters",issued 2012-01-19
  43. Webster, Thomas J; Ergun, Celaletdin; Doremus, Robert H; Siegel, Richard W; Bizios, Rena (2000-09-01). "Enhanced functions of osteoblasts on nanophase ceramics". Biomaterials. 21 (17): 1803–1810. doi:10.1016/S0142-9612(00)00075-2. ISSN   0142-9612. PMID   10905463.
  44. Webster, Thomas J.; Ergun, Celaletdin; Doremus, Robert H.; Siegel, Richard W.; Bizios, Rena (2000-09-05). "Specific proteins mediate enhanced osteoblast adhesion on nanophase ceramics". Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. 51 (3): 475–483. doi: 10.1002/1097-4636(20000905)51:3<475::AID-JBM23>3.0.CO;2-9 . ISSN   0021-9304. PMID   10880091.
  45. Webster, Thomas J.; Ejiofor, Jeremiah U. (2004-08-01). "Increased osteoblast adhesion on nanophase metals: Ti, Ti6Al4V, and CoCrMo". Biomaterials. 25 (19): 4731–4739. doi:10.1016/j.biomaterials.2003.12.002. ISSN   0142-9612. PMID   15120519.
  46. Webster, Thomas J; Ergun, Celaletdin; Doremus, Robert H; Siegel, Richard W; Bizios, Rena (2001-06-01). "Enhanced osteoclast-like cell functions on nanophase ceramics". Biomaterials. 22 (11): 1327–1333. doi:10.1016/S0142-9612(00)00285-4. ISSN   0142-9612. PMID   11336305.
  47. Webster, Thomas J.; Schadler, Linda S.; Siegel, Richard W.; Bizios, Rena (June 2001). "Mechanisms of Enhanced Osteoblast Adhesion on Nanophase Alumina Involve Vitronectin". Tissue Engineering. 7 (3): 291–301. doi:10.1089/10763270152044152. ISSN   1076-3279. PMID   11429149.
  48. Bik, Elisabeth (2021-05-05). "Northeastern University professor with 69 papers on PubPeer has resigned". Science Integrity Digest. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
  49. Chawla, Dalmeet Singh. "Prominent US chemical engineer leaves post amid allegations of image irregularities". Chemistry World. Archived from the original on 2021-09-23. Retrieved 2024-08-24.