Novel Hybrid and Nanocomposite Materials for Biomedical Applications

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The rise in life expectancy in developed countries has led to an increase in age-related skeletal diseases such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis with corresponding increase in demand for materials that can replace and integrate with bone. In addition, over 2.2 million patients per year worldwide undergo surgery for skeletal trauma or tumor resection. The gold standard for bone repair is the autograft. However, limited tissue availability and morbidity at the extraction site have resulted in a high interest in artificial materials for bone replacement and regeneration. Over the next 5 years, the research program will focus on developing: 1) novel bioactive glass and biodegradable natural and synthetic polymer hybrids; 2) sol-gel-hydrothermal derived glass-ceramic nanostructures for bone regeneration; 3) bioactive and antimicrobial coatings for titanium implants that will help enhance the interfacial bond with bone; and 4) novel fast setting and injectable bioactive bone cements for craniofacial reconstruction. The main objective is to train well rounded graduates in the field of bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The overall program will provide training for six (6) PhD students exposing them to cutting edge research in biomaterials synthesis and characterization techniques. Trainees will also become skilled in the development of bioassays. Upon graduation, these students will take leadership roles in bringing biotechnology from the laboratory to the marketplace and clinic. The success of this research is expected to result in significant technology development for applications in regenerative medicine and economical benefit to Canada.