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Biomaterials: Education - Research - Links to other Biomaterial Sites
Biomaterials Research
| The Biomaterials section oversees the Biomaterials laboratory, which is housed in a recently remodeled research wing and supports both faculty and student research projects. Nearby laboratories include those focusing in biophysics, neuropharmacology and cellular signaling pathways. As a participant in the Biomaterials and Biomechanics Focus Group, research is conducted in collaboration with investigators from the Growth and Development and Oral Biology departments. In addition, dental biomaterials are clinically evaluated in the Cruzan Center, Research is conducted on dental resin-based composites, cements, maxillofacial prosthetic materials, TMJ disc dynamics, cartilage failure mechanisms and cartilage tissue engineering. Recent outside collaborators include scientists from the University of Missouri, Creighton University, Purdue University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of Zurich. Recent corporate sponsors include Cook Biotech, Inc., and G.C. America Corp. |
Finite element
model of 0.5 mm thick TMJ disc being subjected to an impact force,
such as what occurs in an automobile accident. The disc is pictured
upside down, with the inferior surface located on top. Click on
the image to view the impact. The deformation is exaggerated to
identify the impact region |
Recent Graduate Student Thesis Projects
Differences in neo-cartilage
derived from two scaffold materials. M.S. degree, Dr. Ajay Ojha, Biomaterials.
The effects of human mastication
on the apparent static coefficient of friction in an orthodontic appliance.
M.S. degree, Dr. Jared Randall, Orthodontics.
The physical and mechanical
properties associated with the aging of maxillofacial elastomers. M.S.
degree, Dr. Richard Williamson, Prosthodontics.
Flaw propagation in the porcine
temporomandibular joint disc. M.S. degree, Dr. Rebecca Hohl, Orthodontics
Anisotropic tensile fatigue properties of the porcine intervertebral disc. M.S. degree, Dr. Mark Leiker, Orthodontics.