Building blood vessels from silk

Solving some of the biggest challenges in cardiovascular medicine with natural materials.

Cardiovascular disease is the number 1 killer worldwide. Open-heart bypass surgery is the most effective treatment for advanced disease. However, it relies on spare vessels found in other parts of the body.

At the moment, synthetic vessels are made from household plastics such as GORE-TEX and these don’t work very well. Steven’s work engineers new blood vessels from silkworm silk. Can this natural material be our alternative?

Bio

Professor Steven Wise is the leader of the Applied Materials group in the School of Medical Sciences at the University of Sydney. His research aims to develop new biomaterials with better efficacy, specialising in cardiovascular applications such as stents and synthetic vascular grafts.

Working in multi-disciplinary research teams, he specialises in using natural materials to develop implants that are better accepted by the body and have improved long-term performance.

Also speaking at Harry's at 6pm is Mina Radhakrishnan

About the venue - Harry's

Set over 2 levels with 3 bars to choose from, Hotel Harry is the perfect spot for a cheeky drink with your friends.

Located in the heart of Surry Hills, Harrys is boasting with character and charm. The public bar is street level and is a mix of standing, high tables, long tables or seats at the bar where you can have a yarn with one of our bartenders while they mix up your favourite drink of choice. Harry's offer cocktails, the latest beers on tap, top-shelf spirits and a new extensive wine list that is sure to impress and bring out the sommelier in you.

Located on Level 1, the lounge is where the magic happens! Be lured into the lounge by the neon signage and into one of Surry Hills' best-kept secrets. Think blue velvet booths and tanned leather couches.

On Friday and Saturday the Lounge can be hired exclusively up till 8pm, Here, you can find yourself dancing to the wee hours to one of Harry's DJs from our widely impressive roster. If you are lucky enough you may even find yourself bumping into the likes of Hayden James, Flight Facilities or James Pepper.