SPE MPD Happy Hour Speaker Series: Medical Grade Polymers for Non-Implantable Applications

Abstract: The term “medical grade” lacks a consistent industry definition, creating communication gaps between suppliers and device manufacturers. This video presents a proposed ASTM standard guide establishing uniform terminology and evaluation criteria for non-implantable polymers—aimed at improving material transparency, comparability, and consistency to enhance device quality and patient safety.

Speaker info:
Scott Taylor
Poly-Med, Inc.

Bio: Dr. Scott Taylor is the Chief Technology Officer at Poly-Med and specializes in material selection and medical device design. He has worked on development teams for more than twenty marketed medical devices and is experienced in the creation of novel materials and processes, product design and development, advanced manufacturing services, application and development of intellectual property, as well as physical and chemical testing protocols.

His 10-year involvement with ASTM includes the development and maintenance of standards within committees F04 (Medical and Surgical Materials and Devices) and F42 (Additive Manufacturing Technologies), including chairing the joint group for absorbable polymeric materials and test methods.

Dr. Taylor has undergraduate degrees in physics and mechanical engineering from Furman University and Clemson University, respectively, and completed his doctorate in Bioengineering from Clemson University. Through his tenure, Dr. Taylor has published numerous papers and conference abstracts, several book chapters, and is inventor for more than 25 US and international patents. In addition to his position at Poly-Med, he maintains an appointment as adjunct faculty of Bioengineering at Clemson University.

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Happy Hour Speaker Series: Shape Memory Polyurethane Foams for Embolic Occlusion

Title: “Shape Memory Polyurethane Foams for Embolic Occlusion”

Abstract: Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are a versatile class of biomaterials that can be used for biomedical applications, such as minimally-invasive embolic occlusion procedures. Their ability to transition from a compact, catheter-deliverable form to an expanded structure under physiological conditions enables precise deployment within the body.

In relation to vascular embolization and aneurysm sac filling, SMP-based polyurethane foams that are fabricated by the team at Shape Memory Medical Inc., are shown to promote stable clot formation, tissue integration, and progressive healing. These properties position SMPs as a promising solution for improving clinical outcomes in endovascular therapies.

https://youtu.be/GAnUZvTSau4z

Speaker info:

Marziya Hasan, PhD., Sr. Manager, Chemistry

Shape Memory Medical, Inc.

Marziya Hasan

Bio: Dr. Marziya Hasan is a materials engineering leader specializing in polymer chemistry and medical device development. She currently serves as Senior Manager of Chemistry at Shape Memory Medical, Inc., where she leads engineering teams, scales advanced shape memory polymer technologies, and helps drive R&D-to-manufacturing transfer for Class III medical products. She earned her Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Texas A&M University and holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Texas Lutheran University. She is an inventor on two U.S. patents with numerous peer-reviewed publications. She has also served as a Co-Investigator on multiple grants funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Hasan is also a part-time lecturer in Chemical and Materials Engineering at San Jose State University and an active professional volunteer, serving on the Board of Directors for various organizations such as the Society of Plastics Engineers – Golden Gate Section and Silicon Valley Engineering Council.

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