Robert Langer - From Nanotechnology to mRNA Vaccines

Professor Langer discussed how he applied his chemical engineering background to addressing basic and applied issues in the life sciences,starting with his postdoctoral research with Judah folkman where they isolated the first angiogenesis inhibitors. Critical to this was developing biocompatible nanoparticle and microparticles that could deliver large molecular weight molecules- which the angiogenesis inhibitors were. Prior to Langers work ,delivery of such molecules from tiny particles over a period of time was considered impossible. Langer extended his delivery invention by modifying the surface structure of these particles so as to reduce phagocytosis. These discoveries in angiogenesis inhibition helped lead to the numerous angiogenesis inhibitors used clinically today and the delivery systems led to many clinical products where delivery of macromolecules is crucial for clinical success including mRNA vaccines.