Designer Biomaterials

Designer Biomaterials aims to revolutionize healthcare by developing biomaterials that address critical medical challenges specifically in orthopedic surgery. Our research adds value by improving patient outcomes, advancing regenerative medicine, and fostering sustainable, cutting-edge solutions for unmet clinical needs.

As the aging population grows, millions face implant surgeries for hip and knee replacements, scoliosis, maxillofacial fixation, and trauma recovery. Unfortunately, many implants fail due to critical challenges like insufficient bone integration and implant-associated infections, even with advanced designs and surgical precautions.

At the forefront of innovation, our research focuses on designing and synthesizing cutting-edge biomaterials to address these issues head-on. Leveraging a synergy of additive manufacturing, surface engineering, and controlled drug delivery through micro/nanoencapsulation, we aim to revolutionize treatments for bone and joint diseases.

Over the past eight years, we’ve pioneered new strategies in surface bio-functionalization, developing multi-functional implants that promote bone regeneration and actively combat infections—offering patients safer, longer-lasting solutions. Our mission is to redefine implant success and transform outcomes in regenerative medicine.

What if we could make implants last longer?

Infections remain one of the most significant complications in implant surgery, reducing patients' quality of life and driving up healthcare costs. Functional biomaterials with antibacterial coatings for implants offer a promising solution to this challenge.

Our team is dedicated to advancing and refining these innovative materials, which have the potential to significantly enhance implant longevity.

Watch the pitch by Dr. Saber Amin Yavari below to learn how he aims to address the challenges faced by both patients and doctors!

Contact for internships

Dr. Saber Amin Yavari: S.AminYavari@umcutrecht.nl

People

Name

Position

Contact

Additional info

Saber Amin Yavari

Associate Professor

S.AminYavari@umcutrecht.nl

Principal Investigator, Group leader

Azin Khodaei

Post-doc

A.Khodaei-2@umcutrecht.nl

Advanced (nano)materials for biomedical applications

Elham Bagherzadeh

Post-doc – R&D Manager (Preimure)

S.BagherzadehHassanian@umcutrecht.nl

Smart biomaterials for regenerative medicine

Mahdi Sanati

Post-doc

M.Sanati@umcutrecht.nl

Bioadhesive materials for regenerative medicine

Pardis Keikhosravani

PhD candidate              

P.Keikhosravani-2@umcutrecht.nl

Peptide-based antibacterial surfaces to prevent implant related infection

Zhengqing Zhu

PhD candidate

Z.Zhu@umcutrecht.nl

Bioresorbable implants for orthopedic surgery

 

Alumni

Name

Past position

Contact

Additional info

Fatemeh Jahanmard

Post-doc

F.JahanmardHosseinabadi-2@umcutrecht.nl

Nanoparticle-based coating for bone regeneration and implant related infection

Leonardo Cecotto

PhD candidate              

L.Cecotto@umcutrecht.nl

Multicellular in vitro model to monitor biomaterials bio-functionality