Description
This module will explore contemporary biomaterials science and will focus on state of the art production methods for biomaterials manufacture. We will look at: rapid prototyping techniques for biomaterials manufacture, e.g. stereolithography, plasma coating techniques, electrospinning and fibres, foams for scaffolds, metal foams, metal coatings, ceramics processing/analysis, bioactive glasses and bioprinting. For all these, examples of recent literature will be used. The module will examine how the properties of the materials determine it's function and which processing techniques are optimum for specific applications, with a focus on implant materials and tissue engineering scaffolds.
In addition, surface and interfacial properties of biomaterials, importance of molecular structure, and interfacial interactions with the surrounding environment will be covered. The role of surface properties, whether, polymers, ceramics, metals and composites will be discussed in detail.
