Surface Science and Technology Group : School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne

Surface Science and Technology Group

Biomaterials

Surface structuring of hydroxyapatite

Currently orthopaedic implants have a very limited lifetime due to poor fixation into the surrounding bone. It is known that coating metallic implants using hydroxyapatite [Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂] may improve fixation as this calcium phosphate phase represents the mineral component of bone.

In this work we are combining chemical and physical approaches to improve implant fixation. The chemical approach is due to the hydroxyapatite coating. The physical approach involves adding surface structuring to the hydroxyapatite in order to increase the possible adhesion points for cells. The figure on the right shows a cell adhering to a textured surface.

Studies to determine the optimum surface roughness for cell adhesion as well as the responses of various types of cells to the surface are underway.

Protein Adsorption on Biomaterials

When a material is implanted into the body proteins immediately accumulate on the surface. These proteins are then used by cells to differentiate and to adhere to the implant. Some of these proteins may signal a foreign body response in the surrounding tissue and cause the implanted material to be rejected. In order to create useable implants, particularly medical devices it is important to direct the types of proteins forming on the surface to enhance the particular application of the device.

In this study the types of proteins which form on surfaces under different conditions are investigated. Surface analytical and chemical techniques are used for this purpose. The ultimate aim is to be able to produce surfaces to which only specific proteins adhere

Research Groups