Bio-Mechanically Active Ceramic-Polymeric Hybrid Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering

The research develops and tests new hybrid biomimetic materials that work as mechanically stimulating "scaffolds" to promote early regeneration in implanted bone healing phases. A biomimetic nanostructured osteo-conductive material coated apparatus is presented. A bio-inspired approach to materials and template growth of hybrid networks using self-assembled hybrid organic-inorganic interfaces is finalized to extend the use of hybrids in the medical field. Combined in vivo, in vitro and computer aided simulations have been carried out. A new experimental methodology for the identification of design criteria for new innovative prosthetic implant systems is presented. The new implant design minimizes the invasiveness of treatments while improving implant functional integration. A new bioactive ceramic-polymeric hybrid material was used to modify odontostomatological Titanium implants in order to promote early fixation, biomechanical stimulation for improved scaffold mineralization and ossification. It is hybrid ceramic-polymeric nano-composites based on Hydroxyl-Ethyl-Methacrylate polymer (pHEMA) filled with nanosilica particles that have shown biomimetic characteristics. This material swells in presence of aqueous physiological solution leading to the achievement of two biomechanical functions: prosthesis early fixation after and bone growth stimulation. Such multidisciplinary approach explores novel ideas in modelling, design and fabrication of new nanostructured biomaterials with enhanced functionality and improved interaction with OB cells.