Summary
Interactions between cells and biomaterials determine the level of success of medical implants. A new paradigm for thinking about cell-biomaterial interactions is emerging, where it is the effect that the biomaterial has on the proteins that adsorb to the material upon contact with physiological solution that is important, rather than the actual nature of the surface itself. The important parameter is thus the conformation and structure of the adsorbed protein layer, and in particular, the very outer protein layer, as this is what the cells actually see. In this program we intend to bring together scientists working in the traditionally separate areas of biomaterials and nanoparticles, in order to develop and apply the most cutting-edge characterization techniques to understanding the nature of the surface-adsorbed protein layer on biomaterials and nanoparticles, and the effect of this on biocompatibility and nanoparticle toxicity. Envisaged highlights of the program include the exchange of ideas between the traditionally distinct research areas and the bringing together of a range of physical (characterisation and visualisation) techniques with biological and medical approaches to addressing the common goals, which will result in a great increase in the pace of understanding, a rational basis for risk assessment, and a reduction in the barriers to developing commercial applications of biomaterials and nanoparticles.
Keywords: surface-adsorbed protein, adsorbed protein conformation, surface exposed epitopes, Ångström-level resolution, cell-surface interactions.
Programme Proposal pdf
Duration
From 31 May 2007 to 31 December 2012
