Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Langer lands award for lizard-inspired bandages

MIT professor Robert Langer has won the 2008 Max Planck Research Award, which comes with a $1.2 million prize.

Langer was recognized for his research on the development of biomimetic materials. In February, a joint Harvard University/MIT research team involving Langer announced the development of a biodegradable, adhesive bandage inspired by the clinging mechanism that enables geckos to hang on smooth vertical surfaces. Biomimetic materials can also be used for drug delivery, tissue engineering and other applications.

Langer was one of two winners of the award, which is funded by the German government. The other winner was Peter Fratzl, of the Max Planck Institute for Colloids and Interfaces in Germany, who also works with biological and biomimetic materials. Fratzl also won $1.2 million.

The Max Planck Research Award is given annually by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the Max Planck Society to one German scientist and one international scientist. The award is given to researchers who have already achieved international recognition and who are expected to continue to make outstanding academic achievements.