The Center of Natural Tropical Biomaterials, a joint venture between Northeastern University and the University of Antioquia, officially opened March 31 in Quirama, Rio Negro, Colombia.
The mission of the Center is to research the application of natural materials commonly found in tropical locations for use in medicine. Faculty members from both universities are collaborating in the development of new nanoparticle delivery systems for natural materials to fight cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neural disease, infections, and many other health problems.
“The establishment of this first-of-its-kind Center of Natural Tropical Biomaterials will further propel the intersection of nanomedicine and natural materials found in Colombia to treat numerous diseases,” said Dr. Juan Jose Pavon Palacia from the University of Antioquia. "This big effort between Northeastern University and University of Antioquia will be reflected in a unique advanced center dedicated to the study, research, applications, mimics and sustainable use of Natural TropicalBiomaterial from Colombian Biodiversity, which is one of the most amazing and impressive in the world."
"This is a unique opportunity to transition medicine into the next era by combining natural materials and nanotechnology to find solutions to diseases that conventional medicine has been unable to solve. By combining Colombian with American expertise, we fully expect a wide range of new products to cure diseases from this Center within the next 5 years. I am honored to be part of this new Center.", Dr. Thomas Webster, SFB President, Noertheaastern University.