Professor S. Ankem has developed a technique in which "micropores" are made on the surface of a metal bone implant such as a replacement hip joint. The tiny indentations create a much larger surface area for the patient's bone cells to cling to, which results in the implant staying in place and functioning longer. More
Biomaterials Research and Initiatives
MSE faculty, graduate students, and even some undergraduates are engaged in a variety of high-profile biomaterials-based projects. Below are only a few examples:
Molecular Electronics
Professor Mohamad Al-Sheikhly and his research group are immobilizing DNA probes on a variety of semiconductor surfaces, which could benefit the development of molecular electronics, future computer architectures, and massive computer memory and storage. A fundamental understanding of the chemical interactions and properties of the dry/wet interface has become a key scientific issue in bio-inorganic hybrid systems applications. The group probes the attachment of DNA to inorganic semiconductor surfaces, hoping to develop nanoelectronics and related technologies based upon this hybrid system.
Professor Al-Sheikhly has also investigated the use of nanogels in drug delivery applications.
Nano-Roughness on Titanium Biomedical Implants
Professor and Chair Robert M. Briber is using small angle x-ray and neutron scattering techniques to probe the structures of biological molecules, including the structural change of tRNA characterized using small angle x-ray scattering. The conformational change from unfolded state to compact state occurs as salt concentration increases, which matches quite well with theoretical prediction. The Briber Group also studies silk elastin-like peptide polymers which form hydrogels as their temperature increases. The Debye-Bueche correlation length obtained from small-angle neutron scattering has provided structural insight about the cross-linking densities in the hydrogels, suggesting the importance of the length of elastin blocks in governing the spacing of the cross-linked hydrogel networks, and that of silk in governing the stiffness of their 3-dimensional structures.
X-Ray and Neutron Scattering for Analysis of Silk-Based Hydrogels
Professor and Chair Robert M. Briber is using small angle x-ray and neutron scattering techniques to probe the structures of biological molecules, including the structural change of tRNA characterized using small angle x-ray scattering. The conformational change from unfolded state to compact state occurs as salt concentration increases, which matches quite well with theoretical prediction. The Briber Group also studies silk elastin-like peptide polymers which form hydrogels as their temperature increases. The Debye-Bueche correlation length obtained from small-angle neutron scattering has provided structural insight about the cross-linking densities in the hydrogels, suggesting the importance of the length of elastin blocks in governing the spacing of the cross-linked hydrogel networks, and that of silk in governing the stiffness of their 3-dimensional structures.
Novel Materials for Dental Applications
Isabel Lloyd, Associate Professor
Professor Isabel Lloyd is developing high modulus composite biomaterials for dental applications. They are based on a new class of adhesive composites filled with nano-alumina and micro-diamond fillers to effectively prevent any mechanical failure. She is also working on glass-based laminar composites for restoration to meet mechanical and aesthetic requirements.
Contrast Agents for Improved MRI
Oded Rabin, Assistant Professor
Biomedical-imaging contrast-agents are formulations that are administered in conjunction with an imaging procedure (e.g. MRI) in order to improve the quality of the images obtained and in order to assign a physiologically-relevant weight to the contrast observed in the image (e.g. dark areas in the image corresponding to scar tissue from spinal cord injury, or fluorescence localized in cells transcribing the RNA sequence for a certain peptidase). Ideally, contrast-agents are easy to administer, are targeted to a specific target molecule, are inactive without the presence of the target molecule, are retained for the duration of the imaging procedure, and are completely removed from the body shortly thereafter. Professor Oded Rabin has developed the only known biodegradable nanoparticle formulation that can serve as an effective contrast agent for x-ray CT imaging of blood vessels, lymph nodes and the reticuloendothelial system. The bismuth sulfide particles used in the agent are 40nm wide, 5nm thick nanoplatelets coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The contrast agent has a long circulation time, and is effective until it accumulates in the spleen. Excellent-quality images of the vasculature and lymph nodes were obtained. The nanoparticles, however, could not be targeted, and the degradation time was prohibitively long. Current efforts are in developing a second generation of nanoparticle contrast-agents addressing the two short-comings of the first generation.
Microfluidic Systems
The Rubloff Group is developing an integrated microfluidic system to provide electric signals and optical access for biochemical assemblies. Microfluidic control systems provide systematic operation processes. Labview-based control systems coordinate liquid transport and electrodeposition. Compared to traditional physical entrapment and surface immobilization approaches in microfluidic environments, the group's signal-guided electrochemical assembly is unique in that the enzymes are assembled under mild aqueous conditions with spatial and temporal programmability and orientational control. The group believes that this assembly strategy can be applied to rebuild metabolic pathways in microfluidic environments for antimicrobial drug discovery
Shape Memory Alloys for Stents
Stents are biomedical devices used to reopen and keep open blocked coronary arteries, helping to prevent heart attacks and strokes. They are considered effective alternatives to open heart surgery and balloon angioplasty. Professor Ichiro Takeuchi is using a combinatorial materials science approach to discover a shape memory alloy that can be used to develop a new, novel stent material. At room temperature, this stent would be compact, making it easier to be inserted into blood vessels. Once implanted, the patient's body temperature would cause it to automatically exapand and open the clogged artery.
How is MSE at UMD Working with Biotechnology and Biomaterials?
Creating Longer-Lasting Joint Replacements
Improving MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and X-Ray Technology
Professor Oded Rabin is improving contrast agents, the chemicals given to a patient before an imaging procedure to help improve the quality of the images. His new contrast agents are made out of tiny nanoparticles that can be suspended in serum or inhaled as aerosols, and travel through the body to the specific organ doctors would like to image. The nanoparticle agents can also dramatically improve the capabilities of existing technology: Dr. Rabin has devised a nanoparticle-based formulation that can be used to image blood vessels and internal organs using x-rays, which can normally show only bone!
Discovering New Drugs
Professor Gary Rubloff is part of a team of researchers developing a new "biochip" technology that promises to give doctors a new way to discover drugs to treat bacterial infections—without stimulating resistance-building mutations. More
Understanding Biomolecules to Improve Medical Treatments
Professor and Chair Robert M. Briber is using x-ray and neutron scattering techniques to probe the shape and dynamics of biological molecules. In one study, his research group is discovering how certain RNA molecules fold up into a unique structure in order to catalyze chemical reactions in our cells. Understanding this biophysical process in detail will play an important role in the development of RNA-based gene therapy. In another project, Dr. Briber is exploring the use of a synthetic silk-elastin bipolymer for drug delivery. Drug molecules are suspended in the material, which is injected as a liquid where the drug is needed. Once inside the body, the bipolymer turns into a gel, keeping the drug from dispersing. Neutron scattering is used to understand the gelling process and how the silk-elastin interacts with the drugs it carries.
Creating Better Materials for Heart Health
Stents are biomedical devices used to reopen and keep open blocked coronary arteries, helping to prevent heart attacks and strokes. They are considered effective alternatives to open heart surgery and balloon angioplasty. Professor Ichiro Takeuchi is using a combinatorial approach to discover a shape memory alloy that can be used to develop a new, novel stent material. At room temperature, this stent would be compact, making it easier to be inserted into blood vessels. Once implanted, the patient's body temperature would cause it to automatically expand and open the clogged artery.
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