Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine

Department Member, Biomaterials

Development Scientist: Biomaterials and Tissue Mimetics Platform

About

Dr. Yoganathan completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto (2004) with a specialization in the Engineering Science program (Biomedical option), considered to be the top engineering program in Canada. Desiring to expand his view on biomedical research, he travelled overseas to the University of New South Wales (UNSW) (Sydney, Australia) where he did his Masters (2006) and PhD (2010) in Biomedical Engineering. His Master’s thesis focused on producing a biomaterial nanocomposite with robust biomechanical properties. His PhD dissertation focused on the use of green technology and high pressure systems to synthesize biopolymers for tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. The dissertation also involved a collaborative project on soft biomaterials intended for laryngeal cancer with Dr. Robert Langer’s Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (Boston, USA). As of 2011, the work with Dr. Langer has progressed towards commercialization and is about to commence clinical trials.

Dr. Yoganathan is interested in the implementation of material and pharmaceutical science to develop anti-cancer drug delivery systems and tissue engineering devices. Dr. Yoganathan was the recipient of the inaugural 2010 MITACS Elevate Industrial Research Fellowship Award. With Professor Christine Allen (Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto) and Dr. Joseph Elliot (President and CEO, Receptor Therapeutics), he worked on the pre-clinical development and optimization of a polymer-lipid drug delivery formulation for the peri-operative treatment of ovarian cancer. Dr. Yoganathan has given presentations on biomaterials and drug delivery at MIT, UNSW and most recently at the Beijing University of Chemical Technology (BUCT, Beijing, China). At BUCT, he has also helped establish a new pharmaceutical research laboratory.

His future aspirations include utilizing his multi-disciplinary background in biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical science, microbiology, analytical chemistry, business development and communication to translate cutting-edge research to marketable technology.