Biomaterials and Biological Interfaces
The major focus of our work is to develop better materials for use in the replacements of damaged, diseased or missing tissues, particularly in the oral and cranio-facial region. Current research involves the development of polymers and polymer composites for use as tissue engineering scaffolds, new resorbable composites for use fracture fixation plates and smart materials for use as fissure sealants and direct restorative materials. This work has also led to the recent development of research into better understanding the effect of dietary acids on enamel and dentine, and the use of toothpastes to remineralise eroded dentine.
Many of the areas of our research involve the development of structure-property relationships for either newly synthesised polymers or commercially available materials. For these relationships we use the following techniques to analyse the materials: AFM, DSC, ATR-FTIR, mechanical testing and rheometry.
The group consists of scientists and clinicians based with the Centre of Oral Health Research. Of great importance to many of the areas we research is a better understanding of the biological response to materials. Consequently, our work involves collaboration with researchers from the Institute of Cellular Medicine, NanoLab, the Institute of Aging and Health at Newcastle University and groups at Lancaster University, London University, and Alfred University, USA.
Our research is supported by funding from EPSRC, BBSRC, STFC and the EU FP7. We also collaborate with companies such as GlaxoSmithKline, Septodont, Reckitts Benckiser, Esschem Europe and JPK Instruments.
For more information about this group contact: Dr Matt German
