MARK A. TAPSAK, PH.D.
(570) 389-4893 office
(570) 854-5339 cell
SUMMARY
I am intelligent, energetic and creative. My academic experience centers on polymer synthesis,
polymer characterization and analytical chemistry. My industry experience is focused upon
polymer chemistry as applied to medical product innovation, project management, technology
transfer and intellectual property strategies. I hold 33 US patents primarily related to medical
devices and have many more patent applications pending. I work well either as a team leader,
member or consultant. I am currently an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Bloomsburg
University of Pennsylvania and actively consult with a number of medical device companies.
EMPLOYMENT SUMMARY:
2010-Present Associate Professor, Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg, Penn.
2004-2010
Assistant Professor, Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg, Penn.
2004 (Spring) Adjunct Faculty, San Diego City College, San Diego, Calif.
2000-2004
Senior Scientist, DexCom Inc., San Diego, Calif.
2000 (Spring) Adjunct Professor, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minn.
1996-2000
Senior Polymer Chemist, Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, Minn.
1995-1996
Polymer Chemist, Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, Minn.
EDUCATION:
1992-95
1987-92
Ph.D., Polymer Chemistry, University of Southern California.
Thesis: Ruthenium Catalyzed Synthesis of Alternating Copolymers and
Their Characterization.
B.E.S., Chemistry / Photographic Science (major/minor), St. Cloud State
University, St. Cloud, Minn. (Cum Laude).
EXPERIENCE:
Present,
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
A four-year, public university, Bloomsburg is part of the 14 member Pennsylvania’s State
System of Higher Education. Founded in 1839 as the “Bloomsburg Literary Institute,” and with
a historically strong reputation for teacher education, programs of study include the arts and
humanities, sciences, education, health care and business. The Department of Chemistry and
Biochemistry has recently moved into a new state of the art addition and is well equipped for a
variety of collaborative research projects.
Associate Professor
I teach freshman-level chemistry courses and labs for both science and non-science majors.
Spring 2004, San Diego City Community College
Chemistry Department, San Diego, California
Established in 1914 as the first community college in San Diego, it is one of the fastest growing
colleges in the nation.
Adjunct Professor
I taught an evening lecture section of Chem152 – Introduction to General Chemistry.
2000 – 2004,
DexCom, Inc.
Research and Development, San Diego, California
DexCom, Inc. is working to commercialize the first long-term implantable sensor for continuous
glucose monitoring. The DexCom system includes a small sensor implanted just under the skin
that continuously measures glucose levels and transmits the data to an externally worn, pagerlike receiver. When accessed by the patient, the receiver displays either single point or trended
glucose values. DexCom has completed initial human studies in the United States and is in the
process of initiating a pivotal trial to seek FDA approval. During my employment at DexCom, it
grew from 10 employees to a size of 40 scientists, engineers and clinical employees. In 2005, the
company was first offered publically. It has continued to grow and now employs over 600
people.
Senior Scientist, Sensor Development
My contributions and responsibilities can be categorized into three main areas:
Technology Transfer – I joined DexCom during a period of technology transfer from its
predecessor company. During that time DexCom was building its first sensor prototype.
I managed a research associate and a scientist. I refined and transferred original
manufacturing documents into the DexCom document control system. These documents
included material inspection, material preparation, membrane fabrication, sensor
assembly and calibration. I also facilitated the transfer of a licensed biointerface
fabrication process to DexCom. In most cases, I optimized the processes to better match
DexCom’s facilities and needs. Finally, I have developed nearly all of the inspection and
testing procedures related to sensor membranes.
Intellectual Property – Before a full-time patent agent was hired in the Spring of 2003, I
coordinated DexCom’s intellectual property activities, including managing invention
disclosures and working with legal counsel to draft and submit patent applications.
Sensor Development – My group’s activities focus on in vitro sensor testing and secondgeneration membrane development. My group also supports: the in vivo studies team by
fabricating prototype devices and the manufacturing team by solving problems related to
sensing and biointerface membranes. In addition, I proposed, procured equipment for
and set up a polymer synthesis laboratory. This facility enabled the development of
DexCom’s second-generation sensor membranes.
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I am an inventor on many DexCom patents and patent applications. My contributions to
these inventions encompassed sensor design improvements, membrane development and
process improvements.
1996 – 2000, Medtronic, Inc.
Materials and Biosciences Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Conducting business in more than 120 countries, Medtronic, Inc. is one of the world's largest
companies providing device-based medical technology. Medtronic engages in the manufacture
and sale of products for bradycardia pacing, tachyarrhythmia management, atrial fibrillation
management, heart failure management, coronary and peripheral vascular disease, heart valve
replacement, extracorporeal cardiac support, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, malignant and
non-malignant pain, movement disorders, spinal and neurosurgery, and neurodegenerative
disorders. During the time I was employed at Medtronic, it enjoyed steady financial growth; for
example, for the six months ending Oct. 29,1999, net sales rose 15 percent to $2.27 billion and
net income rose 47 percent to $506.4 million.
The Materials and Biosciences Center (MBC) is a shared corporate entity separate from the
Medtronic business units. The center is comprised of approximately 60 researchers and
maintains collaborations throughout all Medtronic business units.
Polymer Chemist
Medtronic hired me within the MBC Polymer Group immediately following graduate school.
For the projects that I initially conducted research, most important were my polymer
characterization, synthesis and communication skills. Later during the projects, my analytical
strengths were used including techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry,
thermogravimetric analysis, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC).
As an independent researcher, I developed a series of cyclosilalkylenesiloxane monomers and
studied their polymerization. I also investigated commercial silicone rubber formulations in order
to incorporate the silalkylenesiloxane copolymers into an addition-cured rubber. This research
generated US Patents 6,080,829, and 6,534,587, a full paper in the Journal of Inorganic and
Organometallic Polymers (Vol. 9, No. 1), and a presentation at the American Chemical Society
meeting March 2000 in San Francisco, California.
Senior Polymer Chemist
Medtronic promoted me to Senior Polymer Chemist at which time my responsibilities expanded
from individual research to include project management and business unit consulting. I
composed quarterly and yearly project reports and presented technical results to business unit
managers and directors. My responsibilities fell within the following three categories:
Innovate – I contributed to the development of polyurethane, silicone and polyimide
material projects. This research resulted in a total of four U.S. patents.
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Support – I supported Medtronic’s effort to understand the chemistry of in vivo metalinduced oxidation of polyurethanes. The Polymer Group proposed and created more
oxidatively stable structures with respect to ether-based polyurethanes. My contribution
to this work entailed the synthesis of a novel silicone based -diol. Other team
members incorporated this novel material into a polyurethane.
I regularly interpreted nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra for colleagues and was
instrumental in incorporating this analytical tool into Medtronic’s polymer research. I
also teamed with analytical scientists in order to develop GPC and high-performance
liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods.
Consult – I performed a consulting role with business unit engineers who wished to
improve, modify or replace existing polymeric components. I compiled performance,
manufacturing and material requirements, then proposed appropriate tests and analytical
techniques so that new polymeric materials met device design requirements.
As the Biomaterials Chapter Co-Chair in the Medtronic Forum, I facilitated interaction
between technical employees from within and across disciplines, and I organized
presentations from both academia and industry. In addition, I organized and helped teach
a five-day polymer materials course for Medtronic employees.
Spring 2000 University of St. Thomas
Chemistry Department, St. Paul, Minnesota
Regularly ranked as one of the top regional universities in the Midwest, the University of St.
Thomas is the largest private university in Minnesota.
Adjunct Professor
I developed and taught an advanced undergraduate course in Polymer Chemistry.
MEMBER:
American Chemical Society since 1992, Polymer Division since 1994.
AWARDS:
Provost's Award for Excellence in Research and Scholarly Activity, Bloomsburg
University of Pennsylvania, 2010.
Outstanding Faculty Award, College of Science and Technology, Bloomsburg University
of Pennsylvania, 2010.
Excellence in Teaching Award for Analytical Chemistry
University of Southern California, 1995.
National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates, University of
Minnesota, 1991.
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PUBLICATIONS:
D. Hinkens; M.A. Tapsak et. al., “Model Compounds based on Poly(pphenylenevinyleneborane) and Terthiophene:Investigating the p-n Junction in Diblock
Copolymers”, DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2013.05.008
D. Todd; S.C. Radzinski; M.A. Tapsak; J.J. Liggat “The thermal degradation of a series
of siloxane copolymers – a study by TVA.” Polymer Degradation and Stability 2012 in
press.
D. Todd; S.C. Radzinski; J.J. Liggat; M.A. Tapsak “Detailed thermal characterization of
decanylene containing polysilalkylenesiloxanes.” Polymer Preprints 2012, 53(1), 499.
S.C. Radzinski; M.A. Tapsak “Synthesis of High Molecular Weight Poly (1,1,12,12tetramethyl-13-oxa-1,12-disilatridecanylene-co-dimethylsiloxane) Using Anionic Ringopening Polymerization.” Silicon 2011, 3(2) 57.
M.A. Tapsak; J.G. Houseknecht; P.V. Goode “A low cost computer-controlled and
powered multichannel potentiostat for general use in development of inexpensive
electrochemical sensors.” Inst. Sci. Tech. 2007, 35, 589.
J.G. Houseknecht; M.A. Tapsak, “Improved electrochemical biosensor response via
metal oxide pre-oxidation of chemical interferents.” Nanosensing: Materials, Devices,
and Systems III, ed. M. Saif Islam, Achyut K. Dutta, Proceedings of SPIE Vol. 6769
(SPIE, Bellingham, WA, 2007) 67690I.
A.R. Detweiler, M.A. Tapsak. “Investigation of the Tortuosity Ratio in Silicone
Elastomers Using Hydrogen Peroxide.” Polymer Preprints 2006, 47(1), 594.
M.A. Tapsak, E. DiDomenico. “Synthesis and Microstructure Analysis of
Poly(dimethylsiloxane-co-1,1,12,12-tetramethyl-13-oxa-1,12-disilatridecanylene).”
Polymer Preprints 2000, 41(1).
M.A. Tapsak, T. Grailer, D. Miller, M.E. Benz, E. DiDomenico. “Preparation of
Cyclosilalkylenesiloxane Monomers and their Cationic Ring Opening Polymerization.”
Journal of Inorganic & Organometallic Polymers 1999, 9(1), 35.
W.P. Weber, H. Guo, C. Kepler, T.M. Londergan, M.A. Tapsak, G.H. Wang. “Synthesis
of Polysiloxanes Substituted with Aromatic Ketones – by Ru Catalyzed
Copolymerization – an Overview of the Reaction Scope.” Polymer Preprints 1998,
39(10), 454.
M.A. Tapsak, G.H. Wang, K. Azizian, W.P. Weber. “Quantitative Derivitization of
Completely Acetylated Pentaerythritol and Pentaerythritol Oligomers by HighPerformance Liquid Chromatography.” Analytical Chemistry 1996, 68, 1685.
H. Guo, M.A. Tapsak, G.H. Wang, W.P. Weber. “Synthesis of High Molecular Weight
Polymers by Ruthenium Catalyzed Regioselective Step-Growth Copolymerization of
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Acetophenones and -Dienes.” ACS Symposium Series 624: Step-Growth Polymers
for High Performance Materials 1996, 99.
H. Guo, G.H. Wang, M.A. Tapsak, W.P. Weber. “Synthesis of High Molecular Weight
Copolymers by Ruthenium Step-Growth Copolymerization of Acetophenone with Dienes.” Macromolecules 1995, 28, 5686.
H. Guo, M.A. Tapsak, W.P. Weber. “Ruthenium Catalyzed Regioselective
Copolymerization of p-(Dialkylamino)acetophenones and -Dienes.” Macromolecules
1995, 28, 4714.
M.A. Tapsak, H. Guo, W.P. Weber. “Ruthenium Catalyzed Regioselective
Copolymerization of Anthrone, Fluorenone, or Xanthone with -Dienes.” Polymer
Preprints 1995, 36, 451.
H. Guo, M.A. Tapsak, W.P. Weber. “Ruthenium Catalyzed Regioselective Step-Growth
Copolymerization of Aromatic Ketones and -Dienes.” Polymer Preprints 1995, 36,
705.
H. Guo, M.A. Tapsak, W.P. Weber. “Ruthenium Catalyzed Chemical Modification of
Unsaturated Polymers.” Polymer Bulletin 1994, 33, 417.
S. Sargeant, L. Bean, M.A. Tapsak, W.P. Weber. “The Synthesis and Characterization of
a Mesomorphic Brush Type Polycarbosilane – Poly[1,1-bis(4’biphenyl)silabutane].”
Polymer Bulletin 1993, 31, 279.
S. Sargeant, M.A. Tapsak, W.P. Weber. “Bulk Anionic Ring-Opening Polymerization of
Silacyclopent-3-enes.” Polymer Bulletin 1993, 30, 127.
PRESENTATIONS (Student or post-doctoral presenters are underlined):
“Properties of conjugated organoborane polymers prepared by hydroboration
polymerization of substituted dialkynes”, D. Hinkens, M.A. Tapsak, 245th ACS National
Meeting, New Orleans, LA 2013; poster POLY393.
“Studies on the refractive index of copoly(arylene-siloxane) constructed with amide, ester
or ether linkage units”, S.C. Blackburn, O.T. O’Sullivan, D. Hinkens, M.A. Tapsak, 245th
ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA 2013; poster POLY439.
“Detailed thermal characterization of decanylene containing polysilalkylenesiloxanes.”
D. Todd; S.C. Radzinski; J.J. Liggat; M.A. Tapsak, 243th ACS National Meeting, San
Diego, CA 2012; oral presentation POLY481.
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“Synthesis of vegetable oil-based step-growth polymers using a 2” wiped-film still.” B.D
McFadden, J.S. Stewart, M. A. Tapsak, 241st ACS National Meeting, Anaheim,
California 2011; poster CHED-1173.
“Degradation of an oligomerized vegetable oil in soil.” Gregory Barber, Mark A. Tapsak,
239th ACS National Meeting, San Francisco, California 2010; poster CHED-705.
“Application of flame photometry methods for the analysis of sodium in campus
prepared biodiesel.” Alan Weaver, Mark A. Tapsak, 239th ACS National Meeting, San
Francisco, California 2010; poster CHED-706.
“Anionic polymerization of large cyclosilalkylenesiloxane monomers.” S.C. Radzinski;
M.A. Tapsak, 239th ACS National Meeting, San Francisco, California 2010; poster
CHED-1318.
“From industry to academia: One person’s lap through the temporary pool.” M.A.
Tapsak, 236th ACS National Meeting, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 2008; oral presentation
YCC-16.
“Ether Containing Silicone Hydrogel Synthesis and Film Properties.” E.W. Thursby;
M.A. Tapsak; M. West, 235nd ACS National Meeting 2008 poster CHED-728.
“An introduction to structural polymer characterization using both proton and
heteronuclear NMR.” M.A. Tapsak presented at the Bucknell NMR Symposium,
Lewisburg, PA Sept. 2007.
E.W. Thursby; M.A. Tapsak “Synthesis of Poly(Dimethylsiloxane-alt-Ethylene Glycol)
for Hydrogel Applications.” Presented at the 234th ACS National Meeting, Boston, MA
2007; paper PMSE-402.
“Improved electrochemical biosensor response via metal oxide pre-oxidation of chemical
interferents” J.G. Houseknecht; M. Rahman; M.L. Norton; M.A. Tapsak, 233rd ACS
National Meeting, March 2007.
“Investigation of the water window on various implantable pacing leads using a homebuilt computer controlled potentiostat” E.W. Thursby; M.A. Tapsak, 232nd ACS National
Meeting, Sept. 2006.
“Synthesis of model compounds for the development of a pH responsive biomaterial” C.
Small; M.A. Tapsak, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 8th Annual
Undergraduate Research Symposium in the Chemical and Biological Sciences, Oct.
2005.
“Effects of fumed silica on small molecule diffusion through silicone rubber” A.
Detweiler; M.A. Tapsak, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 8th Annual
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Undergraduate Research Symposium in the Chemical and Biological Sciences, Oct.
2005.
“The 40-year development cycle of an implantable glucose sensor.” M.A. Tapsak,
Susquehanna Valley ACS local meeting, Feb. 2005.
“Synthesis and microstructure analysis of poly(dimethylsiloxane-co-1,1,12,12tetramethyl-13-oxa-1,12-disilatridecanylene).” M.A. Tapsak, 219th ACS National
Meeting, March 2000.
“Silicone chemistry and its role in medical devices.” M.A. Tapsak, New Mexico Tech,
Fall Symposium, 1997.
PATENTS:
US 8,460,231
Integrated delivery device for continuous glucose sensor, issued
June 2013.
US 8,255,033
Oxygen enhancing membrane systems for implantable devices,
issued August 2012.
US 8,255,032
Oxygen enhancing membrane systems for implantable devices,
issued August 2012.
US 8,255,030
Oxygen enhancing membrane systems for implantable devices,
issued August 2012.
US 8,155,723
Device and method for determining analyte levels, issued April
2012.
US 8,118,877
Porous membranes for use with implantable devices, issued
February 2012.
US 8,053,018
Techniques to improve polyurethane membranes for implantable
glucose sensors, issued November 2011.
US 8,050,731
Techniques to improve polyurethane membranes for implantable
glucose sensors, issued November 2011.
US 7,976,492
Integrated delivery device for continuous glucose sensing, issued
July 2011.
US 7,896,809
Dual electrode system for a continuous analyte sensor, issued
March 2011.
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US 7,881,763
Optimized sensor geometry for an implantable glucose sensor,
issued February 2011.
US 7,875,293
Biointerface membranes incorporating bioactive agents, issued
January 2011.
US 7,860,545
Analyte measuring device, issued December 2010.
US 7,828,728
Analyte sensor, issued November 2010.
US 7,761,130
Dual electrode system for a continuous analyte sensor, issued July
2010.
US 7,632,228
Membrane for use with implantable devices, issued December
2009.
US 7,591,801
Integrated delivery device for continuous glucose sensor, issued
September 2009.
US 7,471,972
Sensor head for use with implantable devices, issued December
2008.
US 7,379,765
Oxygen enhancing membrane systems for implantable devices,
issued May 2008.
US 7,365,134
Compounds containing silicon-containing groups, medical devices,
and methods, issued April 2008.
US 7,226,978
Techniques to improve polyurethane membranes for implantable
glucose sensors, issued June 2007.
US 7,192,450
Porous membranes for use with implantable devices, issued March
2007.
US 7,136,689
Device and method for determining analyte levels, issued
November 2006.
US 7,134,999
Optimized sensor geometry for an implantable glucose sensor,
issued November 2006.
US 7,108,778
Electrochemical sensors including electrode systems with
increased oxygen generation, issued September 2006.
US 7,081,195
Systems and methods for improving electrochemical analyte
sensors, issued July 2006.
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US 6,984,700
Compounds containing silicon-containing groups, medical devices,
and methods, issued January 2006.
US 6,879,861
Polymeric materials with improved dielectric breakdown strength,
issued April 2005.
US 6,862,465
Device and method for determining analyte levels, issued March
2005.
US 6,702,857 B2
Membrane for use with implantable devices, issued
March 2004.
US 6,534,587
Silalkylenesiloxane copolymer materials and methods for their
preparation, issued March 2003.
US 6,080,829
Silalkylenesiloxane copolymer materials and methods for their
preparation, issued June 2000.
US 5,921,933
Medical devices with echogenic coatings, issued July 1999.
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