Andrew Sinclair

Zwitterionic Biomaterials and Implantable Medical Device R&D

Seattle, Washington, United States of America

Research Expertise

Biomaterials

Hydrogels

Tissue Engineering

Drug Delivery

Antifouling Coatings

About

Andy Sinclair is a PhD chemical engineer and biomaterials R&D leader with 13+ years advancing zwitterionic and antifouling materials, injectable hydrogels, implantable-device coatings, and protein stabilization technologies from concept through regulatory submissions and GMP production. Principal Investigator on $4.8M+ in competitive federal awards, inventor on 5+ patent families, and author of 18 peer-reviewed papers (2,200+ citations). Available for expert consultations, technical due diligence, scientific advisory boards, and project-based engagements spanning medical-device materials, translational biomaterials development, and federal R&D strategy.

Publications

Zwitterionic gel encapsulation promotes protein stability, enhances pharmacokinetics, and reduces immunogenicity

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

2015

Expansion of primitive human hematopoietic stem cells by culture in a zwitterionic hydrogel

Nature Medicine

2019

Hierarchical zwitterionic modification of a SERS substrate enables real-time drug monitoring in blood plasma

Nature Communications

2016

High-strength and fibrous capsule–resistant zwitterionic elastomers

Science Advances

2021

Self‐Healing Zwitterionic Microgel Constructs: Self‐Healing Zwitterionic Microgels as a Versatile Platform for Malleable Cell Constructs and Injectable Therapies (Adv. Mater. 39/2018)

Advanced Materials

2018

Zwitterionic fusion in hydrogels and spontaneous and time-independent self-healing under physiological conditions

Biomaterials

2014

Ultra-low fouling and high antibody loading zwitterionic hydrogel coatings for sensing and detection in complex media

Acta Biomaterialia

2016

Restraint of the Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells by a Nonfouling Zwitterionic Hydrogel

Angewandte Chemie

2014

A Coating‐Free Nonfouling Polymeric Elastomer

Advanced Materials

2017

Zwitterionic Nanocages Overcome the Efficacy Loss of Biologic Drugs

Advanced Materials

2018

EKylation: Addition of an Alternating-Charge Peptide Stabilizes Proteins

Biomacromolecules

2015

Directed neural stem cell differentiation on polyaniline-coated high strength hydrogels

Materials Today Chemistry

2016

Engineering Buffering and Hydrolytic or Photolabile Charge Shifting in a Polycarboxybetaine Ester Gene Delivery Platform

Biomacromolecules

2013

Zwitterionic Hydrogels Based on a Degradable Disulfide Carboxybetaine Cross-Linker

Langmuir

2018

Butyrylcholinesterase nanocapsule as a long circulating bioscavenger with reduced immune response

Journal of Controlled Release

2016

Hydrolytic Cationic Ester Microparticles for Highly Efficient DNA Vaccine Delivery

Small

2013

Harnessing isomerization-mediated manipulation of nonspecific cell/matrix interactions to reversibly trigger and suspend stem cell differentiation

Chemical Science

2016

Stable and Functionalizable Quantum Dots with a Thin Zwitterionic Carboxybetaine Layer

Langmuir

2017

Hierarchical design of a polymeric nanovehicle for efficient tumor regression and imaging

Nanoscale

2016

Protein Encapsulation: Zwitterionic Nanocages Overcome the Efficacy Loss of Biologic Drugs (Adv. Mater. 14/2018)

Advanced Materials

2018

Biodegradable zwitterionic hydrogels that form in situ under mild and cytocompatible conditions

Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology

2016

Education

University of Washington

PhD, Chemical Engineering / December, 2016

Seattle, Washington, United States of America

Oregon State University

BS, Bioengineering / 2011

Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America

Experience

Taproot Medical Technologies

Senior / Chief Scientist, Principal Investigator / April, 2017 — Present

Technical and operational lead at VC-backed startup translating novel zwitterionic biomaterials into Class II neurosurgical devices, Class III aesthetic injectables, drug-device combination products and stem cell culture platforms. Led FDA 510(k) Pre-Submission preparation and meeting for Class II ventricular catheter (neurocritical care device); designed and executed ISO 10993 biocompatibility programs for two platforms (100% pass rate); Secured $4.8M+ in competitive federal grants as PI (NSF SBIR, DOD CDMRP); Selected and managed 15+ CROs and CMOs for device fabrication and assembly, sterilization, fill-finish, packaging, and GLP biocompatibility testing; Authored patent applications and Office Action responses

University of Washington

Research Associate / 2011 — 2016

Led and performed research across multiple domains, including gene delivery polymers, PLGA sustained-release depots, protein bioconjugates, and injectable hydrogels; developed deep expertise and wide versatility in biomaterials, polymer chemistries, and biomedical research. Publications in Nature Medicine, Nature Communications, Advanced Materials (cover feature), PNAS, many others.

Links & Social Media

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