Biointerfaces: a surface science perspective

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The exceptional properties of bone and other strong and tough natural materials derive from their structure built from both hard minerals and soft organics. The organic component acts as a scaffold onto which minerals form and grow. This process, also known as biomineralization, is orchestrated by many proteins; due to its complexity, we still do not fully understand its molecular mechanism. Our program aims at filling some crucial gaps. For example, we want to understand how the chemical nature (charge, hydrophilicity) of the proteins influence mineral formation; or how the organic scaffold onto which the minerals deposit determines how they transform over time. Understanding this will allow us to develop strategies to either promote or inhibit mineral formation, to favor bone healing or stop calcifications that occur in unwanted locations, like the cardiovascular system. ***To achieve these goals, we start from studying minerals derived from bones, teeth, and pathological deposits in mice or humans. We look at their physico-chemical structure with many different techniques, focusing on the interface between the mineral and the organic scaffold. This allows us to study the very early stages of mineral formation, so that we can either inhibit or promote this process depending on our final application. To understand all the variables involved and test our strategies, we prepare synthetic models that try to reproduce the biological environment in which minerals form. For example, we have a model based on elastin, the scaffold onto which minerals are often deposited in the arteries. This model can recapitulate the mineral transformations we observed in mice, but we need to improve it to reproduce other important aspects such as the shape of the deposits. We apply the understanding we gain from studying the natural minerals and mimicking their formation in the lab to three main goals: propose strategies to stop mineral formation in arteries; coat the surface of bone implants so that they strongly bind to bone and do not fail upon extended use; and design and synthesize advanced composite materials that will be extraordinarily tough thanks to their interfaces mimicking the surface onto which biominerals naturally form and adhere to. This program will improve life quality for the millions of people needing bone surgeries or affected by cardiovascular calcification, and strengthen Canada's position as one of the leaders in advanced materials manufacturing.