Technical Symposium MD
This Symposium focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and performance (both in vitro and in vivo) of coatings and modified surfaces designed for biomedical applications (biomaterials, bioimplants, biosensors, general health care, etc.). The symposium will be devoted to creating a platform, a friendly hub, to promote research discussions between material scientists, coating experts, and clinicians. Papers are solicited in areas related to bioactive and biocompatible coatings for implants (orthopedic, dental, spinal, etc.), cardio-vascular stents, drug delivery, and biosensing. Examples of research topics sought are hydroxyapatite coatings, biomimetic and bio-inspired coatings, antimicrobial, anti-biofouling, drug-eluting coatings, blood-compatible coatings, electrospun coatings, biofunctionalization of materials surfaces such as tissue engineering scaffolds by wet chemical and plasma methods, cell-surface interactions, bio-lubrication and bio-tribology, and processing and characterization of biomaterial surfaces. Studies of the interactions between coatings and the biological environment, including tribocorrosion and other degradation mechanisms are also welcome. Moreover, research on the effect of biomaterial coatings on biological behavior, such as cell growth, adhesion, and gene expression is sought. Contributions in the fields of retrieval implant analysis, the release of metal ions/particles, smart/intelligent surfaces, and potential clinical concerns will be also considered. A new key interest is the applications of coatings in additive manufacturing, as many novel 3D-printed implants benefit from surface coatings to promote osseointegration and more generally biocompatibility.
MD1. Surface Coatings and Surface Modifications in Biological Environments
The purpose of this session is to specifically address coatings and surface modifications utilized in biomedical applications. These modifications aim to enhance the performance characteristics or provide additional functionalities to implants, medical devices, or surgical instruments. The coatings and surface modifications serve various functions, including improving attributes such as biocompatibility, promoting cell proliferation and viability, reducing restenosis, preventing thrombus formation, regulating metallic ion release, and offering resistance to corrosion and wear. These functionalities are evaluated in both laboratory settings (in vitro) and within living organisms (in vivo).
MD1 Invited Speakers:
- Sima Alidokht, McGill University, Canada, “Tribology of Cold Sprayed Coatings for the Biomedical Application”
- Po-Chun Chen, Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taiwan, “Iridium Oxide Based Thin Film as an Electrode for Bio-Interface Applications”
MD2. Medical Devices: Bio-Tribo-Corrosion, Diagnostics, 3D Printing
Metallurgical materials are essential components of medical devices used to restore biological function, detect or respond to physiological or external stimuli, or modulate the response of cells at interfaces. This session seeks to explore clinical applications and physiological responses to material systems used for tissue regeneration, implantable sensors, and smart drug delivery, among others. Fabrication and testing of these materials using additive manufacturing technologies are of particular interest. Research is solicited that evaluates biological reactions to implant surface coatings as well as methods of depositing coating particles of varying size and composition. The release of molecules or particles from surfaces, either intentionally or due to wear and corrosion processes is also an area of interest.
MD2 Invited Speakers:
- Mostafa Bedewy, University of Pittsburgh, USA
MD3. Bioactive Surfaces
The communication between cells and biomaterials takes place through the surface of the biomaterials. The surface characteristics encompass its topography, chemistry, mechanical properties, surface energy, and redox potentials. These interactions initiate either desirable or undesirable processes. For instance, they can activate signaling pathways that regulate cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation into specific desired cell types for various applications. However, they can also facilitate excessive adhesion of microorganisms, leading to the formation of biofilms that pose significant health risks. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of these interaction processes and their relationship with surface properties is crucial knowledge that enables us to create new surfaces or coatings capable of promoting specific biological responses, thereby designing bioactive surfaces.
MD3 Invited Speakers:
- Aleksey Yerokhin, University of Manchester, UK