Recently, at the 2025 annual meeting of Tec de Monterrey, I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Robert “Bob” Langer.
Thanks to his son Michael, who has told me a lot about the history and achievements of his father, I can share a little more about this great person and scientist who is helping humanity to have a healthier and more sustainable life thanks to the great contribution of the work and the legacy of his life.
Robert Langer is one of the most influential scientists in the field of biomedical biomedology and engineering. Born on August 29, 1948 in Albany, New York, Langer was formed in Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute (MIT), where he graduated in 1970.
He obtained his doctorate in the same field in 1974 and did a postdoctoral work at the Boston Children’s Hospital and at Harvard Medical School for 3 years.
Since 1977, Langer has been a professor at MIT, occupying various positions, including Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering.
His work has been a pioneer in the research and development of new drug and biomedical material administration systems, which has had a significant impact on modern medicine.
Ombudsman for the use of engineering to solve problems in biology and medicine, and their interdisciplinary approach has inspired generations of scientists and students.
He has been a leader in the transfer of academic research technology to clinical applications.
Its ability to translate basic science into commercial products has led to the development of treatments and technologies that have improved the lives of billions of people worldwide.
It is considered a key figure at the intersection of engineering and medicine.
Main achievements in the field of biotechnology:
- Development of controlled drug liberation systems: Langer was a pioneer in the creation of systems that allow the controlled and sustained release of drugs, improving efficacy and reducing side effects.
- Biomaterials for tissue engineering: it has developed biomaterials that can be used for tissue engineering, promoting the regeneration of damaged or sick tissues.
- Nanotechnology in Medicine: His research has led to the development of nanoparticles for drug administration, which allows a more specific and effective treatment.
- Biodegradable implants: implant development that are safely decomposed in the body, eliminating the need for additional surgery for extraction.
- Controlled release vaccines: It has contributed to the design of vaccines that use controlled release systems, improving the efficacy of immunization safety.
- Gene therapy technologies: has investigated methods to deliver genetic material to cells, which is essential for gene therapy and personalized treatments.
- Oncology applications: Development of therapies directed for cancer treatment, including drug administration systems that treat cancer.
- Diabetes innovations: has worked on insulin administration devices that allow patients to control their blood sugar more effectively.
- Stem and biomaterial cells: has explored the use of biomaterials to cultivate stem cells, promoting research in regenerative medicine.
- Hydrogel composition: Hydrogels developed that can be used for drug administration and tissue engineering.
- Surface science: His work in surface science has allowed to improve the biocompatibility of medical devices.
- Contributions to neuroscience: has investigated drug administration methods to treat neurodegenerative disorders.
- Cardiovascular Disease Research: Development of treatments for cardiovascular diseases through biomedical engineering.
- Antibacterial therapies: It has investigated new ways to combat bacterial infections using drug administration methods.
- Multidisciplinary collaborations: has promoted collaborations between engineers, doctors and scientists to address complex problems in medical care.
Awards and awards
Robert has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of biotechnology, including the National Technology Medal Award and the Lemelson Foundation Award.
Publications
Langer is the author of more than 1,500 publications and has been widely cited in the scientific field.
Business Foundation
He has co -founded more than 40 companies, where he stressed that he was co -founder of “modern” that develops drugs, and many others, of which they have marketed health technologies and developed innovative medical devices, such as implantable drug administration systems. As well as innovative biotechnology companies.
Education and tutoring
As a teacher at MIT, he has educated and advised thousands of students, many of whom have followed successful careers in science and technology.
Robert Langer is still a Central figure in biotechnological innovationand his work continues to influence the development of new therapies and technologies that transform health care.
It was a great experience to meet him, live together with Bob, and his generosity in sharing advice to my eldest son Pancho, as well as witnessing his great work and legacy.
About the author:
Dr. Francisco Suárez Hernández. Director of Public Affairs and Strategic Relations of FEMSA and Corporate Affairs Strategic Business and Health Division. Former president of the World of the World Environment Center.
Email: (email protected)
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/francisco-suárez-hernández-13bb76112
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