Australian award-winning scientist develops new biotechnology to repair damaged hearts

A year after winning Australia’s most prestigious science award, Professor Anthony Weiss has developed a new way to manufacture blood vessels and repair damaged hearts.

University of Sydney Professor Anthony Weiss, the 2021 recipient of the Prime Minister's Prize for Science, has developed critical technologies that repair and improve damaged hearts. Picture: Supplied

Australia’s most prestigious science award is to return to Parliament House on Monday for the first time since the pandemic.

The 2021 winner of the Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation, University of Sydney professor Anthony Weiss, has used the past year since taking out the prestigious award to develop and commercialise synthetic tropoelastin-based biomaterials that improve and repair damaged tissue.

“It certainly has been impressive, inspirational – it’s a pinnacle type of award and I’ve swept all the major innovation awards, but I put this one at the top of the list,” Professor Weiss said.

“This technology has substantially improved the way in which we’ve been able to repair skin, you know, everything ranging from small scars to larger wounds.”

Professor Weiss said the award-winning research was now being used to develop revolutionary technology for treating damaged hearts.

“We have developed (a way to manufacture blood vessels) in a lab that can be stored for weeks, months – even a year,” Professor Weiss said.

The research has also led to the development of an injectable liquid that continues to protect and repair damaged hearts and ensures the heart beats in rhythm.

The 2022 prize is set to be presented by Anthony Albanese and Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic on Monday.