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.
This course aims to present different typologies of hard and soft materials used for the preparation of prosthesis, focusing on the relationship between the microstructural and functional properties. Different methods to prepare biomaterials as hydrogels and bone cements will be presented, adopting physico-chemical characterization methods like rheometry, calorimetry, surface enrgies, also focusing over the interactions within natural tissues.
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.
Chemistry, Physic, Material Science
48 hours of lectures in the classroom Visits and some short activities in the Biomaterials Laboratory
Notes and material provided in class.
Ricevimento: By appointment after request by email to: alberto.lagazzo@unige.it
ALBERTO LAGAZZO (President)
RODOLFO REPETTO
LAURA PASTORINO (President Substitute)
I semester
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.
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.
