| Scope |
This symposium will consider the wide variety of applications of biomaterials, including but not limited to orthopedic, joint replacement, wound treatment, dental, and neural applications. For example, the application of biomaterials in wound treatment and wound healing requires a complex, integrated synergy between fundamental material science and engineering towards device function, biological responses to materials, and management of the inflammatory process inherent to wound healing. Biomaterials within wound care span the entire inflammatory response. Previous developments have included hemostatic devices that leverage material interactions with platelets and coagulation proteins, material geometries and surface chemistry for moisture management, antimicrobial coatings and drug delivery schemes for infection control, and engineered surfaces for tissue regeneration and neovascularization. While already well studied, each of these areas provides important opportunities for future development. Another focus area of this symposium is related to the use of biomaterials as interfaces between neurons and external devices to restore or supplement the function of the nervous system lost during injury or disease. Of critical importance for newly developed biomaterials is synergy between biomaterials properties, functions, and biological interface to ensure function. For example, there is significant interest in the development of biomaterials for microelectrode technologies and microdevices for brain interfaces and conducting polymers, carbon nanotubes, graphene, silicon nanowires, and hybrid organic-inorganic nanomaterials, for neural recording, stimulation, and growth. Nevertheless, several technical and scientific challenges associated with these applications include biocompatibility, mechanical mismatch, and electrical properties faced by these nanomaterials for the development of long-lasting functional neural interfaces. In addition, the symposium will consider devices that promote bulk and interfacial tissue regeneration in response to musculoskeletal surgeries. There is a need for biomaterials with properties that will temporarily support the function of the target tissue or surgical intervention site while promoting regenerative processes and environments. There is a significant need to improve tendon to bone healing (e.g., rotator cuff repairs) and the interfaces between prosthetic orthopedic implants such as hips and knees and surrounding tissue. Presentations reflecting a broad spectrum of applications will be included in this symposium. |