Mehrdad Rafat

Mehrdad Rafat is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering (IMT) at Linköping University, Sweden. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biological Engineering from the University of Ottawa, specializing in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering. His work is centered on the development and clinical translation of bioengineered corneas, with strong interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, medicine, and industry.

• Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering (IMT), Linköping University
• Co-founder, LinkoCare Life Sciences AB
• Key contributor to EU ARREST Blindness project

His research focuses on regenerative ophthalmology, particularly the design of collagen-based biomaterials for corneal repair and drug delivery. His innovations include the first clinically tested bioengineered cornea, developed jointly at the University of Ottawa and Linköping University. His work integrates tissue engineering, material science, and clinical application to restore vision in corneal blindness.

The recent publications (2020–2023) highlight a strong trend in developing collagen hydrogels with sustained anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, using nanocellulose reinforcement and advanced surgical integration techniques. These studies emphasize translational research, moving from lab to clinical implementation, particularly in minimally invasive procedures for keratoconus and stromal regeneration.

Dr. Rafat has received numerous scientific honors:

• NSERC Innovation Challenge Award (2008)
• Ontario Centers of Excellence Industrial Fellowship (2006)
• FP7 Marie Curie Incoming Fellowship
• FP7 Career Integration Grant
• ARVO Foundation’s 2023 Point of View Award
• EIT Health Wildcard 1st Prize

He has played a key role in securing major research grants, including EU Horizon 2020 funding for ARREST Blindness, and has co-founded LinkoCare to commercialize GMP-grade bioengineered corneas. His work bridges academic research, regulatory experience (from Health Canada), and biotech consulting, enabling rapid translation of lab discoveries into real-world therapies. He collaborates closely with clinicians worldwide to advance transplantation outcomes.

Dr. Rafat is a founding member of LinkoCare Life Sciences AB, a spinoff from Linköping University focused on the industrial-scale production and commercialization of bioengineered corneas. He also contributes to research groups within the Division of Biomedical Engineering (MT), where his lab develops next-generation corneal implants and drug-eluting biomaterials.