Organosolv lignin in medicine
Lignin is the second most abundant biopolymer on the planet and is produced in massive amounts as a by-product of the bioethanol, paper and pulp industries. However, less than 2% is used for high value purposes, spurring new areas of lignin-based research in medicine. Dr. Hart’s group investigates the use of organosolv lignin that uses eco-friendly methods to produce high yields of lignin with high quality and purity, making it ideal for use in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Her work focuses on use of organosolv lignin for therapeutically targeting cell function and outcome in regulating disease, tissue degeneration, inflammation, fibrosis, and wound healing in musculoskeletal tissues.
Professor Melanie Hart, Ph.D.
Dept. of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery Freiburg University Medical Center
Section Head, Immunomodulation and Regenerative Medicine
ACADEMIC DEGREES
Habilitation at the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Germany
Doctor of Philosophy (Immunology and Microbiology), Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, USA
Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology / Pre-Medicine, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan, USA
Postdoctoral
RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS
Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, USA
Tübingen University Medical Center and BG Trauma Center Tübingen, Germany
Former ACADEMIC POSITIONS
Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, USA