In the interdisciplinary field of biomaterials, the phenomenological interaction of a biological cell on a material substrate under normal culture conditions is broadly known and researchers use many approaches to tailor substrate modulus or surface wettability in an effort to enhance cell-material interaction. In this context, a strikingly different approach in the field of Biomaterials Science has recently been proposed to replicate the dynamic physiological microenvironment of native tissues. Using experiments and modeling approaches, the recent research has witnessed a new dimension to the design of biomaterials by developing an integrated approach involving a combination of external physical cues and instructive matrices to guide tissue repair and regeneration. It is expected that this unique research concept of biophysical stimulation will offer an unprecedented enhancement in the performance of existing implant materials in terms of improving the successful integration of the materials with the host tissue in vivo, which has wide applications in orthopedic, cardiovascular and neural tissue regeneration.

A symposium on the subject appears to be appropriate at this time. Clearly, the symposium needs to be of a multi-disciplinary nature with experts on biomaterial development, biology, medicine be present. A forum such as this conference will no doubt accelerate progress of the biophysical stimulation approach for human healthcare applications.

Proposed Session Topics
  • Cell-material interactions
  • Tissue response to biomaterials
  • Antimicrobial properties of bioceramics
  • Electric field induced tissue regeneration and implant integration
  • Magnetic field stimulation against microbial infections
  • Bioactive glasses and multiple ion-doping
  • Piezoelectric ceramic implants
 Organizers
  • Bikramjit Basu, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India, iisc@gmail.com
  • Surya K. Mallapragada, Iowa State University, USA, suryakm@iastate.edu
  • Ashutosh K. Dubey, Indian Institute of Technology, IIT, BHU, India
  • Manus Biggs, National University of Ireland, Ireland
  • Greeshma Thrivikraman Nair, Oregon Health and Science University, USA

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