Discover this podcast and so much more

Podcasts are free to enjoy without a subscription. We also offer ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more for just $11.99/month.

59: Engineering Copper to Fight Infectious Diseases (ft. Melina Gerdts)

59: Engineering Copper to Fight Infectious Diseases (ft. Melina Gerdts)

FromIt's a Material World | Materials Science Podcast


59: Engineering Copper to Fight Infectious Diseases (ft. Melina Gerdts)

FromIt's a Material World | Materials Science Podcast

ratings:
Length:
40 minutes
Released:
May 16, 2022
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

CuConcepts has developed a highly-efficient, nature-based antimicrobial additive that can be integrated into plastics processing, textiles, paints, and coatings, which we’re excited to dive into.
 
Check out our MSE Company Database and free professional development guide for materials scientists and engineers!
 
In today’s episode, Melina Gerdts, CEO and co-owner of CuConcepts, shares her knowledge about how her biotech company is battling the threat of infectious diseases, especially those transmitted via contaminated surfaces.
 
In this conversation, we discuss:
 
?️ The limitations of antibiotics and the consequences if solutions are not developed to address these limitations.
?️The mechanism copper uses to attack microbes, and how it can be incorporated into other material systems where antimicrobial properties are needed.
?️The history of humans treating infections, and how this history has inspired CuConcepts to create a new solution.
?️How antimicrobial materials can improve the safety and longevity of the food.
?️In the medical device industry specifically, why antimicrobial materials are needed and what are some interesting applications.
?️Ways antimicrobial material solutions can be applied in public places to make them safer.
?️What CuConcept is doing to be sustainable, and what challenges there are for improving their sustainability efforts.
?️ Advice for MSEs who would like to pursue a career in this industry or end up in a CEO role.



Learn more about our MSE Career Development Online Course, which includes more industry-specific information and advice.
 
Join our Discord community! You can meet other passionate materials scientists and engineers from around the world, discuss the latest breakthroughs in MSE, share materials-related memes, and get career advice from experts in the field. 
 
Also, check out our MSE-themed merchandise if you want to support us or simply show off your love of materials science!
 
For shorter segments and full video podcasts, subscribe to our channel on YouTube. For bloopers, audiograms, and interesting materials science articles, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Feel free to message us on our social media platforms if you have any feedback or recommendations for future episodes, or email us directly at itsamaterialworldpodcast@gmail.com. Finally, reach out to David Yeh and Punith Upadhya on LinkedIn if you'd like to chat about the latest breakthroughs in MSE!
 
Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed by either guests or hosts in this show are their own, and do not represent the opinions of the companies or organizations for which they are affiliated.
 
#materialsscience #careerdevelopment #productivitytips
 
Released:
May 16, 2022
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (99)

The show that uncovers why materials science will change the world.