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教师，旨在对纳米晶陶瓷在生物医学应用中的行为获得基本了解。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/颌面植入物的实用性。该项目的主题是制造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。这种结构预计将使它们更具生物活性。制造的材料将在相含量、微观结构、短期和长期机械可靠性以及生物相容性方面进行表征。该项目融合了新千年的两项重要技术：生物技术和纳米技术。相信该项目将渗透到社会的许多不同阶层。虽然目标用途是牙科，但该技术的应用范围足够广泛，可以应用于其他领域。鉴于“婴儿潮一代”人口的老龄化，这一点尤为重要。从教育角度来看，该项目将进一步加强生物材料领域的教学活动。PI 和 Co-PI 正在积极与当地学区和附近的本科院校（特别是 HBCU）合作。这些活动包括在夏季通过研究活动指导学生并在学校进行客座讲座。还正在考虑一项新的教师培训计划。

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 PI and the Co-PI 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.