CAREER: Research and Education: Biomimetic Routes to Design of Biomaterials

与生物材料和生物启发材料有关的研究和教育活动是国际和平协会职业规划的主题。采用一种基本的方法来设计羟基磷灰石和聚合物的复合材料，以开发用于骨替代的新型生物材料。新的方法从生物学中获得灵感。试图用合成的大分子来控制聚合物-HAP相互作用的分子，模拟自然界中生物复合材料的形成。实验将包括振动显微光谱和扫描电子显微镜，以阐明在模拟体液环境下聚合物添加剂与矿物成分之间的分子相互作用。这些相互作用及其对复合材料整体宏观力学响应的影响是这些研究的重点。这项研究将试图了解原位复合材料形成的分子机制，并在此基础上发展基础科学，以设计具有骨替代性能的复合材料。建议的教育活动与研究密切相关。PI计划为1。)通过开设生物材料新课程、本科生暑期研究项目和建立材料研究学会的NDSU分会，提高NDSU对生物材料领域的认识。2.)激发中学女生对工程和材料相关研究的兴趣。将材料和生物材料领域的刺激带入中学课堂。

Research and educational activities tied to biomaterials and bio-inspired materials are the theme of the career plan of the PI. A fundamental approach is followed towards design of composites of hydroxyapatite and polymers for development of new biomaterials for bone replacement. The new approach takes inspiration from biology. A molecular control of polymer-HAP interactions is attempted with synthetic macromolecules, mimicking the formation of biocomposites in nature. Experiments will involve vibrational microspectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy to elucidate the molecular interactions between polymeric additives and mineral components under simulated body fluid environments. These interactions and understanding their role on bulk macroscopic mechanical response of the composite to loading is the focus of these studies. This research will attempt to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in formation of insitu composites and develop fundamental science based on this understanding to design composites with properties tailored for bone replacement. The educational activities proposed are very closely linked to the research. PI plans to 1.) Improve awareness of the biomaterials field at NDSU through a new course on biomaterials, summer research projects for undergraduate students and establishing a NDSU chapter of Materials Research Society. 2.) Stimulate interest in engineering and materials related research in middle school girls and 3.) Bring excitement of the materials and biomaterials field into middle school classrooms.