| Summary: |
The purpose of this work is to develop new multifunctional nanocomposites for electroactive scaffolds, sensors and actuators for biomedical applications. The leading application will be the development of smart joint biomedical implants that promote intelligent biologic host response and are able to sense and adapt to varying service loads.
With this purpose, micro and nano-composites with different microstructures will be processed under several conditions.
Microstructures for scaffold applications wiII be achieved and tested under dynamical and static conditions. We will determine electrical and mechanical response of the materials. We will evaluate the stability of these signals and optimize their characteristics for biomedical applications. This will be achieved by improving our understanding of their fundamental physical properties through a correlation of the processing conditions, the micro-structure and morphology and the macro- and microscopic response of the materials. Further, biocompatibility studies wiII be performed and a sensor /actuator network with readout electronics and data transmission wiII be achieved for application as a smart implant prototype with sensor and actuator capabilities.
Innovative composite materials and bionanotechnologies wiII be used based on organic matrices and inorganic filters, tailored to attain the targeted capabilities.
Sensing and actuating functionality will be based in the piezoelectric and piezoresistive effects, using bio-micro and -nanostructures, to add sensing, osteointegration, biomimetics and drug delivery properties to medical joint implants. |