Aims:
The lecture deals with various aspects of the mechanical, chemical and chemomechanical behaviour of materials for use in medical and biotechnological applications, with a strong focus on the chemical and physical foundations of hybrid interfaces. The fundamentals of biomaterial science are presented together with modern experimental and theoretical methods for investigating and modifying the properties of biomaterials. Students will gain knowledge and practical experience to understand material/biosystem interactions. The knowledge imparted should enable the targeted selection and precise design of materials for applications in medical technology, biosensor technology and bioprocess engineering.
Content outline:
1) Basic concepts of physics and chemistry of surfaces and interfaces
2) Basic concepts of cellular and extracellular environments
3) Adhesion of proteins and cells at bio-inorganic interfaces
4) Materials in the human body: biocompatibility, host response, tissue replacement
5) Metallic materials in biological environment: oxidation, corrosion, bio-corrosion
6) Polymeric materials in biological environment
7) Non mandatory: practical laboratory on AFM techniques
Recommended Readings (examples):
B. D. Ratner et al. (Eds.), Biomaterials Science, Elsevier Academic Press (2012)
D. Williams, Essential Biomaterials Science, Cambridge University Press (2014)
B. Basu, Biomaterials Science and Tissue Engineering, Cambridge University Press (2017)
