59: Engineering Copper to Fight Infectious Diseases (ft. Melina Gerdts)

<p>CuConcepts has developed a highly-efficient, nature-based antimicrobial additive that can be integrated into plastics processing, textiles, paints, and coatings, which we’re excited to dive into.</p> <p> </p> <p>Check out our <a href='https://www.subscribepage.com/msecompanies'>MSE Company Database</a> and free <a href='https://www.subscribepage.com/mseprofessionaldevelopmentguide'>professional development guide</a> for materials scientists and engineers!</p> <p> </p> <p>In today’s episode, Melina Gerdts, CEO and co-owner of CuConcepts, shares her knowledge about how her biotech company is battling the threat of infectious diseases, especially those transmitted via contaminated surfaces.</p> <p> </p> <p>In this conversation, we discuss:</p> <p> </p> <p>🔹️ The limitations of antibiotics and the consequences if solutions are not developed to address these limitations.</p> <p>🔹️The mechanism copper uses to attack microbes, and how it can be incorporated into other material systems where antimicrobial properties are needed.</p> <p>🔹️The history of humans treating infections, and how this history has inspired CuConcepts to create a new solution.</p> <p>🔹️How antimicrobial materials can improve the safety and longevity of the food.</p> <p>🔹️In the medical device industry specifically, why antimicrobial materials are needed and what are some interesting applications.</p> <p>🔹️Ways antimicrobial material solutions can be applied in public places to make them safer.</p> <p>🔹️What CuConcept is doing to be sustainable, and what challenges there are for improving their sustainability efforts.</p> <p>🔹️ Advice for MSEs who would like to pursue a career in this industry or end up in a CEO role.</p> <p> </p> <p>Learn more about our <a href='https://www.mseacademy.com/courses/students-tier-2'>MSE Career Development Online Course</a>, which includes more industry-specific information and advice.</p> <p> </p> <p>Join our Discord <a href='https://discord.gg/49dCV3W4eN'>community</a>! You can meet other passionate materials scie