Design of Polymeric Biomaterials for Musculoskeletal Tissue Repair
Hybrid biomaterials fabricated from ceramics, polymers and biopolymer are deemed to be the material of choice due to their tunable physicochemical properties. In our studies, we prepared hybrids from natural and synthetic polymers with bioactive glass by formation of covalent bond. It was demonstrated that the presence of chemical bonds between the polymers and bioactive glass eradicates the issue of phase-separation and enhances the uniform distribution of components in the structure of these materials. Assessment of in vitro bioactivity of these samples showed that a homogenous apatite layer was formed on the surface of hybrid scaffolds. Furthermore, it was shown that the presence of chemical bond resulted in uniform degradation of different components in hybrids. The fabricated materials could be considered as viable candidates for bone regeneration. We also synthesized thermoresponsive copolymers that chemically bond with primary amine groups of proteins. The copolymers-co-protein solution was injectable through 21G needle and converted to hydrogel within 2-10 minutes by increasing the temperature to 37 °C. The gelation time of these hydrogels was favorable for clinical applications. They retained in vivo for more than a month due to the presence of covalent bonds between the polymer and protein. The fabricated hydrogels, therefore, are deemed to have high potential for various biomedical applications such as in vivo cartilage and bone regeneration.
Biography:
Professor Fariba Dehghani was awarded her PhD in 1997 at UNSW in Chemical Engineering. Professor Fariba Dehghani’s work in bioengineering research focuses on developing technologies for processing biomaterials, with particular emphasis on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Her research aims to develop sustainable, low-energy, benign processes for manufacturing bio-products and to reduce organic solvent consumption. For instance, currently I am looking into developing bio-inspired materials and technologies to engineer tissues and organs, and investigating whether these can translate to clinical outcomes. This involves novel materials and implant devices as well as compounds for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease, viral infections, cancer, osteoporosis and a range of other health issues.
Her work focuses on synthesising biodegradable polymers, bioglasses, and hybrids with unique feature for tissue engineering. Professor Dehghani also aim to develop materials for minimally invasive surgery and overcome current issues for injectable formulations including degradability, injectability and mechanical strength. Overcoming these will have a major impact on developing materials that can resolve many health issues, including sport injuries and bone defects. I am currently investigating applications of these new classes of biomaterials for drug delivery and cartilage and bone repair.
“Another example of her research is the use of nano- and micro-particles for targeted drug delivery – such as in the treatment of cancer. The use of such small particles as an avenue for drug delivery can improve bioavailability by enabling drugs to permeate cell walls, minimising necessary doses and side effects.
“Professor Dehghani’s bioengineering research has resulted in developing a fermentation process that led to producing an oil rich in vitamin K, with greater bioavailability. The concentration of this compound is 25-fold higher than any commercially available food on the market. This oil can be used in the formulation of food products to reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures and cardiovascular disease.