Dr. Paul Santerre, Techna’s Director, Research Faculty (Physical Sciences), has won the prestigious 2014 Manning Principal Award for his work on surface-modifying macromolecules. Commercialized through Interface Biologics Inc., his invention helps prevent blood clots from forming on plastic devices inserted into the body, such as catheters.
While manufacturers could previously prevent clots by coating devices with anti-coagulant drugs, those coatings would dissolve away over time and enter the body or undergo fouling. The solution Dr. Santerre came up with can be incorporated into the catheters and other devices during manufacturing so that the macromolecules are embedded throughout the material.
The Manning Awards have been recognizing and supporting Canadian innovators since 1982.
Read more about Dr. Santerre’s achievement in Maclean’s and UofT News.