The Society for Biomaterials has recognized Dr. Ashutosh Chilkoti, an eminent Indian-American biomedical engineer, with its prestigious 2025 Technology Innovation and Development Award.

This honor acknowledges his groundbreaking contributions to biomaterials research, leading to significant advancements in medical and surgical treatments.

Dr. Chilkoti, who serves as the Alan L. Kaganov Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Duke University, will receive the award during a special ceremony at the Society’s annual meeting in Chicago on April 9, 2025.

Pioneering Contributions to Biomaterials and Medical Advancements

With a career dedicated to biomolecular engineering and biointerface science, Dr. Chilkoti has made remarkable strides in developing novel materials and technologies that enhance biomedical applications. His research has paved the way for:

Protein-resistant polymer coatings, which improve the performance and longevity of medical implants and devices.

Ultrasensitive diagnostic tools, enabling faster and more accurate disease detection at the point of care.

Chromatography-free purification methods, revolutionizing how protein-based drugs and viral vectors are processed for therapeutic use.

Biological condensate research, exploring how cells regulate internal electrochemistry, potentially unlocking new pathways in cellular medicine.

His work has advanced scientific knowledge and led to tangible improvements in patient care, diagnostics, and drug delivery systems.

Entrepreneurial Impact: Transforming Research into Real-World Solutions

Beyond academia, Dr. Chilkoti has been instrumental in translating research innovations into commercial success.

He has co-founded multiple biotech startups, including:

PhaseBio Pharmaceuticals (2002) – A biopharmaceutical company focused on developing peptide-based drugs, which went public in 2018 and recently completed a Phase II clinical trial for a Type 2 diabetes drug.

Sentilus (2011) – Specializing in diagnostic technologies for enhanced biomarker detection.

Gateway Bio (2017) – Developing next-generation biologics and therapeutic delivery systems.

Isolere Bio (2018) – Advancing bioprocessing solutions for manufacturing viral vectors used in gene therapy.

InSoma Bio (2019) – Creating innovative biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

These ventures underscore Dr. Chilkoti’s commitment to bridging the gap between laboratory research and real-world medical applications, ultimately benefiting patients worldwide.

Academic Leadership and Global Recognition

Dr. Chilkoti has played a crucial role in shaping the future of biomedical engineering education and research.

From 2016 to 2022, he served as Chair of Duke University’s Biomedical Engineering Department, overseeing its expansion and rise in global rankings.

Under his leadership, the department attracted top-tier faculty, increased research funding, and strengthened industry collaborations.

Reflecting on the honor, Dr. Chilkoti expressed gratitude to his colleagues and students:

“It’s a great honor to be recognized by the Society for Biomaterials, and I want to thank all my lab members, past and current, who did the work that led to this award.”

A Legacy of Excellence in Biomaterials Research

Dr. Chilkoti’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering from IIT Delhi, followed by graduate studies at the University of Washington, where he earned a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering.

He later pursued postdoctoral research at the University’s Center for Bioengineering, laying the foundation for his illustrious career.

The Society for Biomaterials, a leading organization dedicated to advancing biomedical materials research, will present the award to Dr. Chilkoti on April 9, 2025, in Chicago.

This event will celebrate outstanding contributions to biomaterials innovation and their transformative impact on healthcare.