Designer Biomaterials

Aging population forces millions of people to undergo implant surgery for total hip and knee replacement, scoliosis, maxillofacial fixation, and traumatic condition. However, many of these implants fail.

Implants fail due to: 

1. implant loosening: lack of necessary new bone formation to repair large bone defects or suitable integration with the existing bone and;
2. implant-associated infection, despite a novel engineering design, sterilized operating theatre environment, and prophylaxis antibiotic therapy.

Our research primarily concerns the designing and synthesizing of new biomaterials. We particularly utilize a combination of additive manufacturing, surface engineering, and controlled drug delivery through micro/nanoencapsulation to treat bone and joint disease. In the last five years, our group has initiated a novel line of research in which we study different surface bio-functionalization strategies to achieve optimal implants, offering multiple functionalities to prevent implant failures.

What if we could make implants last longer?

Right now, infection is one of the major complications in implant surgeries, decreasing quality of life and increasing healthcare cost. Functional biomaterials that can be used as an antibacterial coating for implants may help to overcome this issue.

Our team devotes their time and energy to the refinement of these materials, that have the potential to increase implant longevity. Watch the pitch by associate professor Saber Amin Yavari below to see how he aims to solve both patients’ and doctors’ problems!

People

Publications