WCC 11 |
| Biological organisms exhibit sophisticated crystal engineering capabilities that underlie the remarkable material properties of mineralized tissues such as bone and teeth, and the beautiful and functional nacre of mollusks and abalone. Increasing interest is being paid to nature's processing strategies, particularly by materials scientists looking for bio-inspired methods to engineer unique ceramics coatings or composites for use in magnetic, optical, biomedical, and protective coatings applications. We have developed a surface-induced mineralization (SIM) process that "mimics” the idea of nature's template-mediated mineralization by chemically modifying substrates to produce a surface which induces heterogeneous nucleation from aqueous solutions. Using this approach, calcium phosphate mineral surfaces have been synthesized and tested for use in orthopaedic applications. In vivo and in vitro results demonstrate that these SIM coatings enhance bone apposition and can be used to deliver therapeutic agents. |
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Many Faces of Chemistry: Women at the Forefront
1:30 PM-4:20 PM, Monday, August 20, 2007 Westin Boston Waterfront -- Revere, Oral
Women Chemists Committee |