Biomaterials (MC9)

Convener:

Cameron Alexander, University of Nottingham, UK

Programme:

Wednesday 5 August (afternoon)

Thursday 6 August (morning)

Keynote Speakers

Designing materials that influence stem cell biology
Kevin E. Healy, University of California, Berkeley, USA

Nanomedicine for drug delivery across epithelial barriers
Claus-Michael Lehr, University of Saarland, Germany

Speakers

Porous polymeric scaffolds for three-dimensional cell culture
Neil R. Cameron, Durham University, UK

Enzyme triggered synthesis and gelation of ionic peptides
Jean-Baptiste Guilbaud, University of Manchester, UK

Nanoengineered assembly of bioinspired capsules
Angus P.R. Johnston, University of Melbourne, Australia

Biomimetic morphogenesis and structure of calcite statoliths (otoconia): An approach towards deeper understanding of a bio-sensor and its function
Rüdiger Kniep, Max-Planck-Institut für Chemsische Physik fester Stoffe, Germany

Mannans act as a natural glue: Cellulose-mannan interactions in plant primary cell walls
Laurence Melton, University of Auckland, New Zealand

Synthesis and characterisation of peptide-polymer conjugates for regenerative medicine
Aline F. Miller, University of Manchester, UK

Natural / synthetic polymer conjugates via living radical polymerization
Sébastien Perrier, University of Sydney, Australia

Bio-inspired chemo-mechanical polymer nanocomposites
Stuart J. Rowan, Case Western Reserve University, USA

Symposium Information

Biomaterials can be defined as any material in contact with, or derived from, biological substrates. The field is fast-moving, multidisciplinary and of increasing importance, with applications across the whole spectrum of healthcare. Biomaterials encompass implants, diagnostics, therapeutic devices, drug delivery vehicles, cell delivery agents and matrices for regenerative medicine, amongst others. State-of-the art chemistry is central to the development of new biomaterials, and in the characterisation of materials in dynamic biological environments. Factors such as biocompatibility, degradation, chemical and physical response are all important in the design and application of biomaterials. 

In this symposium the latest advances in biomaterials will be presented, new and emerging trends will be discussed and pointers to the future identified in this rapidly-evolving scientific and application area.