In the Composite Biomaterial Systems Laboratory, we conduct research and development in two general areas:
- Bone mechanics and quality
- Biomaterials for skeletal reconstruction
- In situ detection of poor bone tissue quality in patients
We can summarize our efforts as interdisciplinary investigation and innovation for improved bone health and repair. A great deal of what we do concerns structure-function-property relationships, how these change with aging and disease in bone, and how they can be optimized in the development of superior biomaterials.
Bone Mechanics and Quality Research
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Cortical Bone Fracture Mechanics - Experiments and Modelling
Recent work in this area includes -
Bone Collagen Degradation in 'Bone Affecting' Human Diseases
Recent work in this area includes an ongoing collaboration with Dr. Jeffry Nyman's group at Vanderbilt University Medical Center -
Bone Quality in Allograft Tissue Processing and Banking
We have in this area over the years in order to understand and address the issue of bone quality degradation due to gamma irradiation sterilization.
Biomaterials for Skeletal Reconstruction
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3D Printable NanocompositeÌýBiomaterialsÌýfor Bone Reconstruction and Tissue Engineering
Over the last four years, we have been investigating and developing nanocomposites of engineered proteins (like Gelatin-MethacrylamideÌý(Gel-MA))Ìýand bio-based resins (like acrylatedÌýepoxidized soybean oil (AESO)) and nano-hydroxyapatiteÌýthat can be printed using direct ink writing and digital image processing methods.
Recent Papers
Ìý ÌýÌýGel-MA based
Comeau and Willett, Macromolecular Materials and EngineeringÌý
Ìý Ìý AESO based
Mondal and Willett,, Journal of the Mechanical Behaviour of Biomedical Materials
Ìý -
Novel 3D Printers for Printing Bone Grafts
We have also been working on a clever idea for 3d printing grafts for reconstructing long bones. We're not ready for the big reveal yet ;-)