Jan de Boer is full professor at the department of Biomedical Engineering of Eindhoven University of Technology, where he leads the research group BioInterface Science. He is an experienced University Professor and Chief Scientific Officer with a demonstrated history of working in academia and biotech. Please join us for in-depth interview about fruitful collaborations and fascination with cells.
On your website, you’ve outlined your research program as being defined by a holistic approach to both discovery and practical application. What more can you tell us about your research?
“I’m a biologist by training, and biology deals with complex systems. Consider a cell, for example, it houses around 25,000 genes, each encoding tens of thousands of different proteins. These proteins collectively constitute a cell. I have a deep fascination with cells – I find them captivating and enjoy observing and researching their behavior. The complexity of how cells function and interact is what drives my curiosity.
The primary platform in my lab involves designing topographies on surfaces, small patterns or textures, similar to Braille. These patterns serve as a sort of language that cells can ‘read’. By exposing cells to specific topographies, we can manipulate their behavior, prompting differentiation or proliferation.
“In the end, it’s all about molecules working together.”
We have found that the topography of surfaces can influence cell responses significantly. However, when we try to understand why cells respond to these artificial patterns, it ultimately comes down to natural mechanisms that cells use to react to structures and substances within the body, such as protein fibers or material stiffness. All these elements exist naturally in the body, and we can mimic them using biomaterials. Essentially, if you look closely enough, there’s little distinction between the artificial and the natural. In the end, it’s all about molecules working together, which is why I emphasize the connection between them.”
You have worked in the field of biomedical engineering for quite some time. Has any of your work led to applications outside of academia?
“Yes, indeed. The platform I mentioned earlier. We patented the method we use to design these topographies, which involves a unique algorithm for creating patterns by combining primitive shapes like triangles, rectangles, and circles. These patterns are then transformed into surface features using microfabrication techniques. We have demonstrated that these patterns can influence cell behavior.
“Patterns with primitive shapes can influence cell behavior.”
“We showed not only in vitro (with cultured cells) but also in animal experiments that these topographies can enhance bone bonding to titanium implants and reduce encapsulation when implanted in animals. This led us to establish a company called Materiomics to further develop these products.”
Did you enjoy the process of venturing into entrepreneurship?
“It was a new experience for me. I am primarily a cell biologist, so delving into the world of engineering and entrepreneurship was quite a departure from my usual path. I started to appreciate the interactions with engineers and technologists. The opportunity to start a company under the guidance of my supervisor, who was my boss at the time, was invaluable, and I learned a great deal. However, one thing I realized is that I have a strong inclination towards teaching and being a scientist, I discovered that my true calling lies more in academia and research.”
Do you believe that universities should provide more training in product development and translating scientific results into practical applications for society?
“That’s an interesting question. I believe there are two types of expertise involved: the expertise of scientists who excel in their respective fields and the expertise of individuals who excel in product development and engineering. Bringing these two types of expertise together is crucial. Universities, including our biomedical engineering department, focus on training engineers who excel in the engineering process specific to biomedical technology. While some elements of product development are covered, it’s not comprehensive.”
“Universities should facilitate collaboration between experts to harness their combined strengths.”
“Instead, I believe that collaboration between experts in different domains is the key. For example, we also have industrial design programs on campus, where students are trained to think from the user’s perspective and consider user requirements when designing products. This multidisciplinary approach encourages the collaboration of professionals with diverse skill sets. In summary, I don’t think universities should solely focus on product development training, but rather, they should facilitate collaboration between experts to harness their combined strengths.”
You’ve worked at various universities, but you’ve been with the same team since 2002. Could you elaborate on this long-standing collaboration?
“What I’ve come to appreciate is the synergy between biologists and engineers. Biologists like myself are fascinated by the engineering feats accomplished by our colleagues, such as building microscopes or creating polymers. Engineers, in turn, find cells and biology intriguing. We have many questions that require their expertise. So, my journey has taught me the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and how it can drive innovation.”
“I see SBMC as a valuable instrument in bridging the gap between academia and industry.”
Given your extensive experience in collaborations, do you also collaborate with entrepreneurs in the region?
“Yes, we do have well-established collaboration with them. We aim to connect with entrepreneurs because it allows us to identify where our research can be applied. It’s also an opportunity for us to share ideas. One thing I’ve noticed is that many companies excel in their technical competence within their specific domains. At universities, we excel in a wide range of areas, but our level of expertise in each may not be as deep as in specialized companies. Therefore, I see myself as a knowledge broker, facilitating connections between our multidisciplinary expertise and the specialized skills of entrepreneurs. So, I believe SBMC can play a vital role in creating these connections.
Establishing connections with companies can be challenging, as I often operate within my own research projects with my own funding. Collaborating with companies requires a suitable platform, and SBMC can provide that platform. Similarly, for companies, the campus offers a wealth of knowledge and technology. As a knowledge broker, SBMC can facilitate these interactions and create opportunities for fruitful collaborations. So, yes, I see SBMC as a valuable instrument in bridging the gap between academia and industry.”