Nick Jikomes talks to materials scientist Dr. Chris Weikart, who is currently chief scientist at SiO2, an advanced materials science company that combines chemistry and engineering to create containers and surfaces for use by biotechnology, genomics, diagnostics, and consumer products companies.
They discuss how SiO2 created a new kind of vaccine vial, which combines both glass and plastic that are superior for storing and transporting biologics, such as vaccines. SiO2 is currently producing an enormous number of these vials for Moderna’s mRNA vaccines for COVID-19. Chris described how the vials are made, and what they’re made of, as well as what materials science is and how important it is to society. This conversation also gives you a sense for different parts of the COVID vaccine supply chain and how they fit together.
USEFUL LINKS
Sign up for the weekly Mind & Matter newsletter
[https://mindandmatter.substack.com]
Learn more about SiO2
[https://www.sio2ms.com/]
Athletic Greens, comprehensive daily nutrition (Free 1-year supply Vitamin D w/ purchase)
[https://www.athleticgreens.com/mindandmatter]
All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
Affiliates:
For all the ways you can support my efforts