OVERVIEW

The course presents an overview of the soft (gel) and hard (bone cements) materials used in the biomedical field, focusing in particular on the methods of characterization (chemical-physical and mechanical), on the mechanisms that, at the molecular level, occur during the formation of the material and how a biomaterial is designed and prepared. An ample space will be given to the study of the interactions between the biomaterial and the surrounding organic tissues.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

L’insegnamento presenta varie tipologie di materiali di tipo hard e soft utilizzati per la preparazione di protesi e sostituti tissutali, focalizzandosi sul legame tra le proprietà microstrutturali e quelle funzionali. Verranno illustrati i metodi di preparazione e caratterizzazione di alcuni biomateriali quali idrogeli e cementi ossei, avvalendosi di tecnologie di caratterizzazione chimico-fisica, quali reometria, calorimetria, misure di energia superficiale, soffermandosi anche sull’interazione con il tessuto organico naturale.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to give to the student the ability to understand how the role of the microstructure can influence the functional properties of a material. In other words, uderstand how materials of the same chemical nature can be used in different fields and therefore assume different roles, changing their microstructural characteristics. The student will also acquire the ability to recognize the main methods for the characterization of a biomaterial and which parameters, in the design of a biomaterial, have to be modified in order to optimize its functionality. At the end of the course, the student will be able to carry out the critical reading of a scientific publication in the field of materials for biomedical use. Also the student will be able to acquire further knowledge through a research of scientific literature.

PREREQUISITES

Chemistry, Physic, Material Science

TEACHING METHODS

48 hours of lectures in the classroom
Visits and some short activities in the Biomaterials Laboratory

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Mechanical and rheological properties of the materials
• Viscoelestic materials and their characterization through rheological models and through DMA measurements
• Solid-liquid interface and methods for their characterization: static and dynamic contact angle
• Gels: definition, formation mechanisms and their microstructure, physico-chemical characterization
• Bioresorbable polymers and their degradation mechanism
• Polymeric (PMMA) and ceramic (calcium phosphates: hydroxyapatite, brushite, monetite) bone cements
• Degradation of a bone cement, interaction with the natural tissue and osseointegration
• Design and optimization of a bone cement: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and osteoconductive properties.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Notes and material provided in class.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ALBERTO LAGAZZO (President)

RODOLFO REPETTO

LAURA PASTORINO (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

I semester

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral. The student is required to present a topic of his choice, selected among those treated during the course. Also some specific questions among the other topics studed during the course will complete the exam. Furthermore, a critical reading of a previously agreed scientific article in the field of materials for biomedical use will be required.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

During the exam, the knowledge of the topics covered in class will be assessed. The student will also have to demonstrate mastery of what has been studied through the commentary and review of an experimental scientific publication in the materials science field.

Exam schedule