Dr. Bjorn Vergauwen

Bjorn has a PhD in Biochemistry from Ghent University and spent 17 years as a Post-Doctoral Researcher, before joining Rousselot as an R&D project coordinator in 2014.

What’s your mission at Rousselot Biomedical? What are you working on?

My research interests lie in the biophysical and biochemical properties of gelatin. My mission at Rousselot Biomedical is to unlock the full clinical potential of gelatin as one of the most biocompatible biomaterials in the field of regenerative medicine. We’re currently working on bringing two modified gelatins to the market – gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and gelatin desaminotyrosine (GelDAT). These modified gelatins offer functional versatility and unlimited potential within regenerative medicine and possible clinical applications for the future.

Which aspect of your work inspires you the most?

I enjoy being able to help our customers cross the so-called “valley of death” – which is the point during development where technologies may encounter a bottleneck which could have a significant impact on the translation of research to clinical development. It is truly rewarding to get our customers past this point, and to see our products in cutting edge technologies that help patients globally.

How do you see the future of gelatin/collagen in biomedical applications?

The economically interesting sourcing of gelatins and collagens has boosted two decades of research in the area regenerative medicine. Many applications are now under development and even reach the clinic already – I believe gelatins and collagens will be a crucial component of many of those novel innovative entries.