Processing and Evaluation of HA Nanocomposites

这个跨学科项目涉及具有纳米制造和生物工程背景的工程学教师，以努力从根本上了解用于生物医学应用的纳米晶陶瓷的行为。该项目的中心重点是开发性能优于现有材料的纳米晶陶瓷基质，并在体外测试它们作为牙科/颌面植入物的用途。该项目的主题是制备具有梯度结构的纳米晶羟基磷灰石(n-HA)和磷酸三钙(TCP)纳米复合材料。这样的结构有望使它们更具生物活性。将从相含量、微观结构、短期和长期机械可靠性以及生物兼容性等方面对制成的材料进行表征。该项目结合了新千年的两项重要技术：生物技术和纳米技术。据信，该项目将渗透到社会的许多不同阶层。虽然目标用途将是在牙科，但这项技术的应用范围足够广泛，可以在其他领域应用。考虑到婴儿潮一代人口的老龄化，这一点尤其重要。从教育的角度来看，该项目将进一步加强生物材料领域的教学活动。P.1和Co-P.1正在积极与当地学区和附近的本科生机构(特别是HBCU)合作。这些活动包括在暑期通过研究活动指导学生和在学校举办客座讲座。还将考虑新的教师培训计划。

This interdisciplinary project involves engineering faculty with nanomanufacturing and bioengineering backgrounds in an effort to gain fundamental understanding of the behavior of nanocrystalline ceramics for biomedical applications. The project's central focus is to develop nanocrystalline ceramic matrices with properties superior to those currently available and to test them in vitro for their utility as dental/maxillofacial implants. The main theme of the project is to fabricate nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (n-HA) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) nanocomposites in a graded structure. Such a structure is expected to make them more bio-active. The as- manufactured materials will be characterized in terms of phase content, microstructure, both short- and long-term mechanical reliability, and biocompatibility. The project incorporates two vital technologies of the new millennium: biotechnology and nanotechnology. It is believed that the project will pervade many different strata of the society. While the targeted use will be in dentistry, the technology is broad enough for applications in other fields. This is particularly important in view 6fthe aging of the 'baby Boomer" population. From an educational viewpoint, the project will further enhance the pedagogical activities in the area of Biomaterials. The P .1. and the Co-P .1. are actively working with the local school districts, and undergraduate institutions (notably an HBCU) nearby. These activities include mentoring students during summer months through research activities and presenting guest lectures at schools. A new teacher-training program is also contemplated.