Researcher: Dr Salvador Eslava

Supervisor: Professor Eduardo Saiz

Funding: National Institute of Health (USA)

Because materials interact with the physiological environment through their surfaces, much work has been performed on the in vitro assessment of the influence of surface features on the cell response. However, much of this work has been performed using simplified two-dimensional models and model materials such as Si or PMMA. The purpose of this project is to develop techniques to prepare calcium phosphate surfaces with controlled chemistry and topographical features down to the nanoscale and to integrate the results into the fabrication of complex three dimensional structures such as implants or scaffolds. In addition, bio-sensors are developed to study in-situ the bone growth on calcium phosphate surfaces.

This project involves collaboration with Prof. Joël De Coninck at University of Mons and Prof. Mike Reece at Queen Mary University of London.