Start

Episode 8 Could a Surface Science approach revolutionize antiviral drug development?

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
Viral outbreaks and cancer represent two of the world’s biggest health problems. Could a materials science and engineering approach be used to address these challenges in global health?


In this last episode of Season 1, of Science on surfaces - a bigger perspective on the small, we talk to Prof. Nam-Joon Cho, Nanyang Associate Professor at the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Prof. Cho is leading the Engineering in Translational Science group, where they apply engineering strategies to solve challenging biomedical problems and to combat e.g. infectious diseases.

We start the conversation talking about the challenges of global health and Prof. Cho describes their surface science approach towards antiviral drug design, an approach which he believes could revolutionize antiviral drug development. He and his team have engineered an antiviral peptide that targets the Achilles heel of the Zika virus and other viral pathogens, such as hepatitis C, yellow fever and dengue. Prof. Cho talks about their published results on this drug candidate for therapeutic treatment of the Zika virus, as well as the work they are doing for early detection of circulating cancer tumor cells.

If you are interested in surface science and related topics, you should also check out our Surface Science blog

All episodes

62 min Dec 22, 2022

34. Challenges of an academic career path – a conversation on productivity, creativity, and funding

47 min Oct 27, 2022

33. Modelling and Mathematical Models in Science

51 min Sep 29, 2022

32. Life as a PhD student and research in Food science and food engineering

63 min Jun 9, 2022

31. Data analysis basics and how to make the most of the collected data

45 min Apr 28, 2022

30. Collecting quality data with QCM-D – what to consider and pitfalls to avoid

58 min Mar 24, 2022

29. A conversation on research related to Biological nanoparticles, Virus infections and Vaccine development

51 min Feb 24, 2022

28. Design of Experiments and how to make the most of the time spent in the lab

58 min Dec 21, 2021

27. QCM-D technology – a microbalance to scrutinize molecule surface interaction

36 min Nov 25, 2021

26. The microbiome, probiotics and research on bacterial adhesion in the gut

36 min Oct 28, 2021

25. Technologies and methods used in a Biointerfaces lab

19 min Sep 29, 2021

24. From biochemistry to surfactants and the academia – industry leap

50 min Apr 22, 2021

23. Light interaction with matter - a conversation on colors, cooling, and the invisibility cloak

35 min Mar 18, 2021

22. Mimicking the human tongue and exploring algae-based color agents in Food Science

69 min Feb 18, 2021

21. The Li-ion battery – best in class and winner of the Nobel prize

43 min Jan 21, 2021

20. Nanomedicines – overcoming drug delivery challenges by intricate design

23 min Nov 19, 2020

19. Interfacial rheology – predicting product shelf lives and unwanted emulsion formation

65 min Oct 7, 2020

18. The secrets on how to get published in high-impact scientific journals

53 min Jun 3, 2020

17. Take control over your calendar and be happier with Structure

21 min May 20, 2020

16. Superhydrophobicity – the powerful property behind the lotus leaf effect and self-cleaning surfaces

20 min May 6, 2020

15. Surface free energy – the “surface tension” of a solid

31 min Apr 22, 2020

14. Detecting Pollution and changes in Battery health with NPS

23 min Apr 8, 2020

13. Adhesion – relevant for so much more than just glue

30 min Mar 25, 2020

12. What the Contact angle reveals - from paint adhesion to performance of technical textile

33 min Mar 11, 2020

11. How to take care of your mind and avoid burnout in academia

28 min Feb 25, 2020

10. Surface tension - Essential for water striders but problematic in many applications

50 min Feb 13, 2020

9. The Science of Soil Removal

38 min Dec 18, 2019

8. Could a Surface Science approach revolutionize antiviral drug development?

47 min Dec 4, 2019

7. Tissue engineering, 3D-bioprinting and NASA Vascular Tissue Challenge

50 min Nov 21, 2019

6. CCS - a key component to combat climate change?

42 min Nov 6, 2019

5. A bigger picture - Energy Storage

41 min Oct 24, 2019

4. Surface Science in the Context of Climate Change and Sustainable energy solutions

48 min Oct 9, 2019

3. Man-made materials meets biology – taking a closer look at biomaterials and implants

43 min Sep 23, 2019

2. Nanotechnology – Opportunities and safety challenges

32 min Aug 15, 2019

1. Science on surfaces – Science that impacts our everyday lives