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MSE 791 601 Biomaterials Science

3 Credit Hours

The course introduces fundamental aspects associated with synthesis, properties, processing/fabrication and application of materials derived from or associated with bio-entities. The course focuses on biomaterials with broad applications beyond medical or clinical uses. The course emphasizes the biological systems unique machinery and function in the context of desired outcome that utilizes a material or materials’ systems. Fundamental concepts covered in the course include: differences among classes of biomaterials; toxicity vs biocompatibility of biomaterials; bulk vs surface properties of biomaterials; interactions of biomaterials with different environments; biomaterials stability and degradation; biomaterials for sensing and bioelectronics applications; biomaterials for energy, soft robotics and responsive materials applications; biomaterials for drug delivery, multiplexing and theranostic applications.

Prerequisite

Basic understanding of materials science and engineering concepts and biology demonstrated by completion of undergraduate classes in materials science and biology  are required.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Explain the properties of various biomaterials;
  • Select appropriate methods that can help address specific materials, properties and processing;
  • Apply the chemistry and engineering knowledge gained to solve challenges in biomaterials;
  • Critically review papers from the scientific literature and identify areas of research opportunities.

Course Requirements

Grading:

Approximately 40% of the course grade will be based on the readings and homework, 10% class participation, and 20% based on the midterm and 30% final project. Course grades will be assigned following the usual 10 points per letter grade.

Topic Schedule

  1. Introductory Topics: Classes of materials for bio-related applications
  2. Introductory Topics: Structure considerations, Properties considerations, and Application considerations in relation to classes of materials.
  3. Core topics: Flow of materials design, processing, characterization and testing
    Part 1: Surface properties of biomaterials
  4. Core topics: Flow of materials design, processing, characterization and testing
    Part 2: Bulk properties of biomaterials
  5. Core topics: Flow of materials design, processing, characterization and testing
    Part 3: Protein interactions of biomaterials
  6. Core topics: Flow of materials design, processing, characterization and testing
    Part 4: Cells interactions (place to talk about 2D and 3D tissue culture model systems) of biomaterials
  7. Core topics: Flow of materials design, processing, characterization and testing
    Part 5: Solution interactions (stability and degradation under salt and other stress, not necessarily in vitro or in vivo) of biomaterials
  8. Core topics: Flow of materials design, processing, characterization and testing
    Part 6: Application specific response of biomaterials – degradation (corrosion and stability) and materials failure during an application; in vivo vs in vitro
  9. Advanced Topics I: Biomaterials for non-medical uses
    Part 1: Sensing and bioelectronics applications of biomaterials
  10. Advanced Topics I: Biomaterials for non-medical uses
    Part 2: Energy applications of biomaterials
  11. Advanced Topics I: Biomaterials for non-medical uses
    Part 3: Soft robotics and responsive biomaterials applications
  12. Advanced Topics II: Biomaterials for biomedical uses
    Part 1: Sensing with biomaterials in medicine
  13. Advanced Topics II: Biomaterials for biomedical uses
    Part 2: Drug Delivery with Biomaterials
  14. Advanced Topics II: Biomaterials for biomedical uses
    Part 3: Multiplexing and theranostics with Biomaterials
  15. Final Projects Presentations
  16. Guest lectures, Semester review and wrap-up.

Textbook

Textbook is not required.

Required Reading: Reading assignments in the form of research papers, reviews and book chapters will be assigned throughout the semester. Each assignment will include a series of questions to be turned in and graded.

Updated: 10/31/2022