January 18, 2012

FRONTIERS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE
VINSE COLLOQUIUM SERIES

Professor Thomas Webster
Brown University
School of Engineering and Department of Orthopaedics
Editor, International Journal of Nanomedicine
Director, Indo-U.S. Center for Biomaterials for Healthcare
Founder, Nanovi, Axena, Audax and NanoVault

"Nanotechnology for Regenerating Tissues:  Is it Hype of Reality?"

Abstract.  The global market for nanotechnology-related products and services is still projected to reach 1 trillion by 2015. While most of this is projected to occur outside of medicine, some FDA approved nanotechnology products already exist for diagnosing, preventing, and treating human diseases. In particular, nanotechnology is being used to mimic structural components of our tissues in synthetic materials intended for various implant applications. Recent studies have highlighted that when compared to flat or micron rough surfaces, surfaces with nanofeatures promote optimal initial protein interactions necessary to mediate cell adhesion and enhance subsequent tissue regrowth. In addition, recent in vitro and in vivo studies have highlighted that nanomaterials (including nanoparticles and nanostructured surface features) can inhibit infection and reduce inflammation. This has been demonstrated for a wide range of implant chemistries (from ceramics to metals to polymers) and for a wide range of tissues (including bone, vascular, cartilage, bladder, and the central and peripheral nervous system). Importantly, these results have been seen at the in vitro and in vivo level. In this manner, this talk will cover some of the more recent and FDA approved nanomaterials for improving human health.