LONG
Thomas Chang was the first to invent the concept for replacement of cell functions using "artificial cells" (Science 1964; Nature 1968, 1971). This concept is being widely used. His polyhemoglobin as blood substitute is in Phase III clinical trials in North America and used routinely in South Africa. He is working on novel blood substitutes for ischemia-reperfusion conditions (Nature Biotechnology 1998) and nano-dimension artificial red blood cells. His hemoperfusion is in routine use for acute poisoning worldwide. His study on enzyme therapy (Nature 1968, 1971) is being developed for phenylketonuria. His idea of "cell encapsulation" is being explored worldwide for diabetes, liver failure, genetic diseases and others (Nature Medicine 2003) - including his work for uremia (Nature Medicine 1996, 1997). It is also used for drug delivery and other applications.

SHORT
Thomas Chang was the first to invent the concept of "artificial cells" that is now widely used. While his polyhemoglobin as blood substitute is in Phase III clinical trials in North America and is used routinely in South Africa, his hemoperfusion is used for acute poisoning. His studies on enzyme therapy and "cell encapsulation" are being explored worldwide.