Ennio Tasciotti

Dr. Tasciotti’s background is in molecular biology and he received a PhD in Molecular Medicine. In 2006 he moved to the department of Biomedical Engineering of the University of Texas and laid the groundwork of two nanotechnology platforms: protein nanochips for the early detection of diseases, and multistage nanoporous silicon particles for the targeted delivery of therapeutics (selected as one of the “Five big ideas for nanotechnology” by Nature Medicine in 2008.) In 2008, Dr. Tasciotti was appointed Assistant Professor in the first Department of Nanomedicine of a US Medical School (University of Texas Medical School). There, he conceived and coordinated the research project: “BioNanoScaffold for post-traumatic osteo-regeneration”, to develop multifunctional biomaterials that provide immediate mechanical stabilization to bone fractures and promote bone tissue regeneration. The project was funded with $8M by the Fracture Putty program of the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency and involved over 60 investigators from multiple institutions over the course of the last 5 years. Dr Tasciotti just received a $6M grant from the Department of Defense to formalize the clinical translation of this technology.
In 2010, he joined the Department of Nanomedicine at The Houston Methodist Research Institute, where he serves as Co-Chair of the Department of Nanomedicine, Director of the Center for Biomimetic Medicine, and Director of the Surgical Advanced Technology Lab. Dr. Tasciotti directs a large research operation, with 25 research staff and trainees involved in the development of innovative nanotechnology platforms and biomaterials for drug delivery and regenerative medicine. He is an inventor on 6 U.S. patents, serves as reviewer for more than 30 scientific journals and was invited to speak at more than 100 international meetings. He served from 2010 to 2012 as the president of the council of reviewers for the Italian Ministry of Health and is a regular member of National Institute of Health, US Department of Defense and NCI study sections.
Description of Research:
• Biomimetic materials to improve tissue regeneration and modulate the immune response.
• Bio-inspired delivery platforms for the targeting of inflammation.
• Nanostructured hydrogels for the localized sustained release of clinically approved drugs.
• Development of new surgical procedures and clinical approaches using nanotherapeutics.

Dr. Tasciotti trained in his career 15 undergraduates, 20 PhD students, 27 Postdoctoral fellows, 3 Medical residents. He currently serves as Director of the Center for Biomimetic Medicine at the Houston Methodist Research Institute and as director of the Center for Surgical Advanced Technology at the Methodist Hospital.
Address: 6670 Bertner Ave.
Houston, TX 77030