Dr. Florence Back | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Education

Florence holds a Ph.D. in Biomaterials from UNISTRA Strasbourg, completed in 2022, where she focused on the synthesis and development of bioadhesives based on gelatin and catechol. This work involved extensive research into the formulation, spectroscopic characterization, and rheological analysis of these bioadhesives. Her doctoral studies were preceded by two specialized master’s degrees, both from UNISTRA Strasbourg, in supramolecular and macromolecular chemistry, completed in 2020 and 2019, respectively. Florence’s master’s education covered advanced techniques in organic and polymer synthesis, including the creation of fluorescent molecules and polymers with unique biochemical properties. Her academic journey includes a series of certifications in in vivo procedures from CNRS Lille, where she developed critical surgical skills required for research involving animal models. Florence’s education has been integral in building her comprehensive understanding of biomaterials and in vivo applications, positioning her as a skilled researcher in medical and chemical sciences.

Professional Experience

Florence’s professional experience includes postdoctoral research and engineering roles focused on advancing biomaterial applications in medicine. Currently, she is a postdoctoral researcher at UC Louvain in Belgium, working on the AI-SWEEP-2 project, which involves the synthesis of electronic patches for smart bandages intended for human use. Prior to this, she served as a biomaterials engineer at CNRS Lille, where she contributed to the ANR Gskin project, focusing on synthesizing and characterizing hydrogels doped with extracellular vesicles for diabetic wound healing. From 2020 to 2022, during her Ph.D. at the Dental Faculty of Strasbourg, Florence specialized in the synthesis of bioadhesives based on gelatin and catechol, marking the beginning of her notable contributions to biomaterials science. These roles have allowed her to develop an integrated approach to material synthesis, characterization, and biological application, emphasizing her commitment to innovation in therapeutic and regenerative materials.

Research Interests

Florence’s research interests center on biomaterials, bioadhesives, and smart wound-healing technologies. Her primary focus is the development and synthesis of bioadhesive hydrogels, which hold promise in tissue repair and regenerative medicine. Additionally, her work extends to smart bandages, integrating electronic patches for wound monitoring and therapeutic delivery, aimed at improving patient outcomes in wound care. She is also interested in the extraction and application of extracellular vesicles in biomaterials, with specific attention to their role in promoting cellular viability and tissue regeneration. Florence’s research leverages a multidisciplinary approach, combining chemistry, biology, and materials science to create innovative solutions that bridge the gap between synthetic materials and biological functions. Her commitment to research that addresses clinical challenges underscores her dedication to advancing biomaterials for direct medical applications.

Research Skills

Florence’s research skills encompass a wide range of laboratory and analytical techniques, particularly in chemistry, biology, and materials science. She is proficient in organic and polymer synthesis, including gel formulation and the development of bioadhesive materials from gelatin, chitosan, and silk hydrogels. Her technical skills include chromatography, spectroscopy (NMR, IR, UV-Vis), and nanoparticle tracking analysis, which she applies in the characterization of synthesized materials. Florence is also skilled in in vivo procedures, certified for surgeries and techniques on various animal models, such as vascular catheterization, cerebral ischemia, and renal grafting. Additionally, her experience extends to cell culture, viability testing, and supervising research protocols. Florence’s ability to conduct comprehensive material characterization combined with her surgical training in vivo highlights her versatility and readiness to bridge laboratory research with applied medical sciences.

Awards and Honors

Florence has achieved various recognitions that reflect her dedication to research excellence in biomaterials. Her doctoral research at UNISTRA Strasbourg earned her acclaim for creating bioadhesive formulations with potential applications in tissue engineering and wound care. Her work has been published in notable journals, including Frontiers in Materials and Gels, indicating her research’s value to the academic and clinical communities. Florence’s role in collaborative projects, such as the ANR Gskin and AI-SWEEP-2, highlights her contributions to interdisciplinary research initiatives aimed at developing innovative therapeutic technologies. Additionally, her certifications in in vivo procedures from CNRS Lille are a testament to her commitment to ethical and skillful research practices. Florence’s career trajectory, marked by research achievements and collaborative contributions, positions her as a promising candidate for awards in scientific innovation and applied biomaterials.

Publication Top Notes