Brent Vernon
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ISTB1 281H ,
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Mail code: 9709Campus: Tempe
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Brent Vernon is an associate professor in biomedical engineering in the School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering and director of the Center for Interventional Biomaterials at Arizona State University. He also holds affiliated faculty appointments with the School of Life Sciences interdisciplinary graduate faculty, the John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering, and the Neuroscience (PhD) Program at ASU. Dr. Vernon is also the Chief Science Officer at Stem Cell Implants in San Diego, working to bring cutting-edge academic research directly to clinical applications.
Dr. Vernon's research focuses on developing smart polymer systems that respond to biological environments for revolutionary medical treatments. His laboratory creates injectable materials that transform from liquids to gels inside the body, enabling precise drug delivery and minimally invasive treatments. These innovations span critical medical applications including brain aneurysm embolization, cancer therapy, and cardiac tissue engineering. A new thrust of his research involves virtual modeling of drug delivery systems to optimize therapeutic outcomes. He is also pioneering magnetic-controlled liquid embolics for endovascular embolization in collaboration with Mayo Clinic scientists.
With over 25 years of experience translating laboratory discoveries into commercial products, Dr. Vernon has co-founded multiple biotechnology companies, including ANEUVAS Technologies and Sonoran Biosciences. His work and the companies he has co-founded have generated over $15 million in research funding from the National Institutes of Health, the American Heart Association, and industry partners.
Dr. Vernon's temperature-responsive polymers and dual-crosslinking hydrogel systems represent breakthrough technologies for treating some of medicine's most challenging problems. His materials enable surgeons to deliver drugs exactly where needed while minimizing side effects, and provide new options for treating conditions ranging from prosthetic joint infections to brain tumors.
Dr. Vernon is a key instructor for the Senior Capstone Design Program and is developing the online Capstone Design Program for the Biomedical Engineering Program. A prolific researcher with over 3,700 citations and an h-index of 34, Dr. Vernon has published 68 peer-reviewed articles and holds multiple patents in the fields of biomaterials and drug delivery. Dr. Vernon earned his Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Utah and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Zurich. He recently completed a sabbatical at EHWA Womans University in Seoul, South Korea, where his virtual modeling expertise has generated new publications and ongoing collaborations, establishing international partnerships that continue to drive innovation in interventional biomaterials.
Ph.D. Bioengineering, University of Utah 1999
Dr. Vernon's research focuses on developing smart biomaterials and computational models for advanced medical applications. His primary interests include:
Injectable Biomaterials: Design of temperature-responsive polymers and dual-crosslinking hydrogel systems that transform from liquids to gels in biological environments for precise drug delivery and minimally invasive treatments.
Endovascular Embolization: Development of advanced liquid embolic materials for treating brain aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations, including novel magnetic-controlled systems in collaboration with Mayo Clinic.
Virtual Drug Delivery Modeling: Computational approaches to optimize therapeutic outcomes through predictive modeling of drug release kinetics, polymer behavior, and treatment efficacy.
Translational Biomaterials: Bridging laboratory innovations to clinical applications through industry partnerships, with emphasis on interventional biomaterials for neurosurgical, cardiac, and oncological applications.
Biomedical Engineering Education: Development of innovative capstone design programs and interdisciplinary training approaches that prepare students for careers in medical device development and biotechnology.
- Brennecka C, Preul MC, Vernon BL. In vitro delivery, cytotoxicity, swelling, and degradation behavior of a liquid-to-solid gelling polymer system for cerebral aneurysm embolization. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research, Part B (2012).
- Overstreet D, Dutta D, Stabenfeldt SE*, Vernon BL*. Injectable hydrogels. Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics (2012).
- Bearat H, Valdez Macias J, Vernon BL. Synthesis, characterization and properties of a physically and chemically gelling polymer system using poly(NIPAAm-co-HEMA-acrylate) and poly(NIPAAm-co-cysteamine). Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition (2011).
- Cui Z, Pauken C, Lee BH, Vernon BL. Degradation, cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of NIPAAm-based thermosensitive, injectable and bioresorbable polymer hydrogels. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research: Part A (2011).
- Lee BH, Leon C, McLemore R, Macias JV, Vernon BL. Synthesis and characterization of thermo-sensitive radio-opaque poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-PEG-2-iodobenzoate). Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition (2011).
- Miller RB, McLaren AC, Leon CM, Vernon BL, McLemore R. Surfactant-stablized emulsion increases gentamicin elution from bone cement. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research (2011).
- Riley CM, McLemore R, Preul MC, Vernon BL. Gelling process in reverse emulsion, in situ gelling polymeric materials formulated with liquid radio-opaque agents. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B (2011).
- Blakley B, Lee BH, Riley C, McLemore R, Vernon BL. Formulation and mechanical, kinetic and visual characterization of radio-opaque conjugated in situ-gelling materials. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A (2010).
- Overstreet DJ, Dhruv HD, Vernon BL. Bioresponsive copolymers of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) with enzyme-dependent lower critical solution temperatures. Biomacromolecules (2010).
- Henderson E, Lee BH, Cui Z, McLemore R, Brandon TA, Vernon BL. In vivo evaluation of temperature-sensitive polymer with time dependent LCST. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research (2009).
- Leon C, Lee BH, Preul M, McLemore R, Vernon BL. Synthesis and characterization of radiopaque thermosensitive poly(NIPAAm-EDBEA-2,3,5-triiodobenzamide). Polymer International (2009).
- McLaren AC, Nugent M, Economopoulos K, Kaul H, Vernon BL, McLemore R. Hand-mixed and premixed antibiotic-loaded bone cement have similar homogeneity. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research (2009).
- McLemore R, Lee BH, Vernon BL. Surfactant effects on the kinetics of Michael-type addition reaction in reverse emulsion polymeric systems. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research (2009).
- McLemore R, Robb SA, Lee BH, Caplan MR, Vernon BL. Michael-type addition reactions in NIPAAm-cysteamine copolymers follow second order rate laws with steric hindrance. Annals of Biomedical Engineering (2009).
- Bae Hoon Lee, Bianca West, Brent Vernon. An In situ Injectable Physically and Chemically Gelling NIPAAm-based Copolymer System for Embolization. Biomacromolecules (2006).
- R McLemore, M Preul, Brent Vernon. Controlling Delivery Properties of a Waterborne, In Situ-Forming Material. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research: Part B-Applied Biomaterials (2006).
- B Lee, Brent Vernon. Copolymers of N-isopropylacrylamide, HEMA-lactate and acrylic acid with time-dependent lower critical solution temperature as a bioresorbable carrier. Polymer International (2005).
- B Lee, Brent Vernon. In Situ-Gelling, Erodible N-isopropylacrylamide Copolymers. Macromolecular Biosciences (2005).
- Brent Vernon, A Martinez. Gel strength and solution viscosity of temperature-sensitive, in situ-gelling polymers for endovascular embolization. Journal of Biomaterial Science: Polymer Edition (2005).
- F Solis, R Weiss-Malik, Brent Vernon. Local monomer activation model for phase behavior and calorimetric properties of LCST gel-forming polymers. Macromolecules (2005).
- M Birdno, Brent Vernon. Mechanical optimization of an arteriovenous malformation embolization material: A predictive model analysis. Annals of Biomedical Engineering (2005).
- R McLemore, G Aerni, T Brandon, K Roy, Brent Vernon. Tubal sterilization using a water-borne poly(ethylene glycol) in situ cross-linking material: A non-surgical approach. Fertility and Sterility (2005).
- Curd, T, Vernon, Brent, Pauken, C, Sundararajan, R. Optimization of Electroporation Parameters for Human Ovarian Cancer Cells. (2005).
- Vernon,Brent*. An Agitation Pump to Facilitate EPIC Using Chemotherapy-loaded Microbeads. MAYO CLINIC SCOTTSDALE(7/16/2015 - 7/15/2016).
- Vernon,Brent*. Surface-covering Gel for Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Protection in Open Fractures. (9/15/2014 - 12/31/2015).
- Vernon,Brent*. Occular Drug Delivery System Development. (6/30/2014 - 6/29/2016).
- Vernon,Brent*. In situ forming and resorbable antimicrobial-releasing gels for prevention of infection in total joint arthroplasty. (9/6/2013 - 8/31/2014).
- Caplan,Michael Ryckman*, Vernon,Brent*, Vernon,Brent, Vernon,Brent*, Vernon,Brent*. Understanding Antimicrobial and Fluid Distribution in Orthopaedic Wounds for the Management of Infection and Trauma. Banner Good Sam(7/1/2011 - 6/30/2013).
- Caplan,Michael Ryckman*, Vernon,Brent. Understanding Antimicrobial and Fluid Distribution in Orthopaedic Wounds for the Management of Infection and Trauma. Banner Good Sam(7/1/2010 - 6/30/2013).
- Vernon,Brent*. Optimizing In Situ-gelling Emulsions for Arteriovenous Malformation and Aneurysm Embolization - year 3. AMER HEART ASSN(7/1/2009 - 6/30/2010).
- Vernon,Brent*. Improved Materials for Endovascular Embolization. ABRC(7/1/2007 - 12/30/2010).
- Vernon,Brent*. Optimizing In Situ-gelling Emulsions for Arteriovenous Malformation and Aneurysm Embolization. AMER HEART ASSN(7/1/2007 - 6/30/2009).
- Vernon,Brent*. Cement Particle Morphology Research Study. DePuy(3/1/2007 - 6/30/2008).
- Vernon,Brent*. Transmucosal Delivery of Erythromycin to Treat Gastroparesis. MAYO CLINIC SCOTTSDALE(7/1/2006 - 6/30/2009).
- Jung,Ranu*, Alexander,Gene Evans, He,Jiping, Helms Tillery,Stephen I, Hu,Jiuxiang, Marzke,Robert F, Massia,Stephen Paul, Matt,Kathleen Sharon, Moore,Michael Charles, Muthuswamy,Jitendran, Myhajlenko,Stefan, Neisewander,Janet Leigh, Nieman,Ronald A, Pauken,Christine Marie, Razdan,Anshuman, Vernon,Brent. PharmaScan 7016 In-Vivo SpectroscopyImaging System. HHS-NIH-NCRR(6/1/2005 - 5/31/2009).
- Vernon,Brent*, Pauken,Christine Marie. POLYMERS WITH TIME-DEPENDENT PROPERITIES FOR DRUG DELIVER. HHS-NIH-NIGMS(7/1/2003 - 6/30/2009).
- Vernon,Brent*. pH Sensitive Microspheres for Oral Vaccine Delivery. MAYO CLINIC SCOTTSDALE(6/1/2003 - 5/31/2004).
- Vernon,Brent*. pH Sensitive Microspheres for Oral Vaccine Delivery. BARROWS INSTIT/ST JOES HOSP(6/1/2003 - 5/31/2004).
- Vernon,Brent*. In Situ Gelling Materials for Arteriovenous Malformation Treatment. MAYO CLINIC SCOTTSDALE(6/1/2003 - 12/31/2004).
- Gust,John Devens*, Arntzen,Charles, Bieber,Allan Leroy, Blankenship,Robert E, Brophy,Colleen M, Brune,Daniel Charles, Capco,David George, Chandler,Douglas E, Francisco,Wilson Alex, Hu,Qiang, Jacobs,Bertram Lewis, Leket-Mor,Tsafrir Shlomo, Lindsay,Stuart, Lorson,Christian L, Massia,Stephen Paul, Misra,Rajeev, Moore,Ana L, Moore,Thomas Andrew, Panitch,Alyssa, Sommerfeld,Milton R, Trelease,Richard Norman, Vermaas,Willem F J, Vernon,Brent, Williams,Peter, Woodbury,Neal Walter. PURCHASE OF A MALDI-TOF MASS SPECTROMETER. NSF-MPS(2/1/2002 - 1/31/2005).
- Vernon,Brent*. ADVANCED POLYMERS FOR ENDOVASCULAR EMBOLIZATION. AMER HEART ASSN(7/1/2001 - 6/30/2003).
Courses
2026 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| BME 493 | Honors Thesis |
| BME 490 | Biomedical Engr Capstone II |
| BME 490 | Biomedical Engr Capstone II |
| BME 490 | Biomedical Engr Capstone II |
| BME 490 | Biomedical Engr Capstone II |
| BME 490 | Biomedical Engr Capstone II |
2025 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| BME 492 | Honors Directed Study |
| BME 484 | Internship |
| BME 417 | Biomed Engr Capstone Design I |
| BME 394 | Special Topics |
| BME 484 | Internship |
| BME 417 | Biomed Engr Capstone Design I |
| BME 417 | Biomed Engr Capstone Design I |
| BME 467 | Tissue Eng & Regenerative Med. |
| BME 417 | Biomed Engr Capstone Design I |
| BME 417 | Biomed Engr Capstone Design I |
2025 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| BME 493 | Honors Thesis |
| BME 394 | Special Topics |
| BME 490 | Biomedical Engr Capstone II |
| BME 394 | Special Topics |
| BME 490 | Biomedical Engr Capstone II |
| BME 490 | Biomedical Engr Capstone II |
| BME 200 | Conservation Principles in BME |
2024 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| BME 492 | Honors Directed Study |
| BME 417 | Biomed Engr Capstone Design I |
| BME 417 | Biomed Engr Capstone Design I |
| BME 417 | Biomed Engr Capstone Design I |
| BME 494 | Special Topics |
| BME 598 | Special Topics |
2024 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| BME 394 | Special Topics |
| BME 318 | Biomaterials |
| BME 200 | Conservation Principles in BME |
2023 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| BME 490 | Biomedical Engr Capstone II |
| BME 490 | Biomedical Engr Capstone II |
| BME 490 | Biomedical Engr Capstone II |
| BME 598 | Special Topics |
| BUS 593 | Applied Project |
| BME 200 | Conservation Principles in BME |
2022 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| BME 417 | Biomed Engr Capstone Design I |
| BME 417 | Biomed Engr Capstone Design I |
| BME 417 | Biomed Engr Capstone Design I |
| BME 494 | Special Topics |
| BME 598 | Special Topics |
2022 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| BME 484 | Internship |
2022 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| BME 318 | Biomaterials |
| BME 484 | Internship |
| BME 484 | Internship |
| BME 598 | Special Topics |
| BUS 593 | Applied Project |
2021 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| BME 493 | Honors Thesis |
| BME 484 | Internship |
| BME 484 | Internship |
| BME 382 | Biomedical Prod Dsgn & Dev III |
| BME 494 | Special Topics |
| BME 598 | Special Topics |
2021 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| BME 484 | Internship |
2021 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| BME 493 | Honors Thesis |
| BME 492 | Honors Directed Study |
| BME 382 | Biomedical Prod Dsgn & Dev III |
| BME 484 | Internship |
| BME 484 | Internship |
| BME 200 | Conservation Principles in BME |
| BME 598 | Special Topics |
| BUS 593 | Applied Project |
2020 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| BME 492 | Honors Directed Study |
| BME 493 | Honors Thesis |
| BME 592 | Research |
| BME 599 | Thesis |
| BME 792 | Research |
| BME 484 | Internship |
| ASU 101-BME | The ASU Experience |
| ASU 101-BME | The ASU Experience |
| BME 493 | Honors Thesis |
| BME 492 | Honors Directed Study |
| BME 394 | Special Topics |
| BME 394 | Special Topics |
| BME 394 | Special Topics |
| BME 484 | Internship |
| BME 382 | Biomedical Prod Dsgn & Dev III |
| ASU 101-BME | The ASU Experience |
- McLemore, R, Preul, M, Vernon, Brent. Controlling in situ gelation of waterborne, phase-segregated precursors for vascular embolization. 2005 BMES Annual Meeting (Oct 2005).
- Curd, T, Vernon, Brent, Pauken, C, Sundararajan, R. Optimization of Electroporation Parameters for Human Ovarian Cancer Cells. Electrostatics Society of America 2005 Annual Meeting (Jun 2005).
- Cui, Z, Lee, B, Vernon, Brent. N-isopropylacrylamide copolymer with dimethyl-gamma-butryolactone acrylate with hydrolysis-dependent lower critical solution temperature. 2005 MRS Spring Meeting (Mar 2005).
- Solis, F, Larance, J, Weiss-Malik, R, Vernon, Brent. Experimental determination and modeling of phase and calorimetric properties of gel-forming polymers with a lower critical solution temperature (LCST). 2005 MRS Spring Meeting (Mar 2005).
- Curriculum&Academic Programs, member (2007 - Present)
- Harrington Department of Bioengineering Graduate Program, Chair (2006 - Present)
- Faculty Search Committee, Chair (2005 - Present)
- Faculty Senate, Member (2005 - Present)
- Advanced Functional Materials, Referee (2005 - Present)
- Biomaterials, Referee (2005 - Present)
- Journal of Physical Chemistry, Referee (2005 - Present)
- Polymer, Referee (2005 - Present)
- Chemistry of Materials, Referee (2005 - Present)
- Institutional Use and Care of Animals Committee (IUCAC), Member (2005 - Present)
- Journal of the American Chemical Society, Referee (2005 - Present)
- Biomacromolecules, Referee (2004 - Present)
- Annals of Biomedical Engineering, Referee (2004 - Present)
- Advanced Materials, Referee (2004 - Present)
- ASTM International, Member (2003 - Present)
- Chemical Inventory Lab Implementation Team, Member (2003 - Present)
- Sci-Quest Chemical Inventory Focus Group, Member (2003 - Present)
- Mesa Unified School District, Science Fair Judge (2002 - Present)
- Materials Research Society, Member (2002 - Present)
- Society for Biomaterials, Member (2000 - Present)
- American Chemical Society, Member (1998 - Present)
- Controlled Release Society, Member (1998 - Present)
- Biomedical Engineering Society, Member (1996 - Present)
- Graduate Committee, Member (2003 - 2006)
- Society of Biomaterials Drug Delivery Special Interest Group, Reporter (2004 - 2005)