Hybrid Biomaterials for Orthopedic and Craniofacial 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, osteoporosis and periodontitis 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 donor-site morbidity has led to the use of artificial materials. Despite intensive research efforts in the fields of ceramics, metals and polymers, the ideal material is still far from clinical practice. Over the next 5 years, the proposed research program will focus on developing: 1) hybrid scaffolds and vehicles for the controlled release of bioactive and antibacterial molecules; 2) bioactive and antimicrobial hybrid coatings on functionalized 3-D-printed titanium alloys to enhance the interfacial bond with bone; and 3) novel, fast setting and injectable bone cements, which are bioactive and biodegradable. The proposed work will improve our fundamental understanding of and lead to technological breakthroughs in covalently bonded class II hybrid biomaterials for scaffolds, implant coatings, and cements for use in orthopedic, craniofacial and periodontal applications. In addition, I will train well-rounded graduate and undergraduate students in the field of bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The overall program will provide training for three PhD, two Masters and six undergraduate students, exposing them to cutting edge research and development in the synthesis and characterization of hybrid biomaterials. Upon graduation, these students will take leadership roles in bringing biotechnology and medical devices from the laboratory to the marketplace and clinic.**