Biodegradable Polymers for Bio-Applications

In collaborating with Prof. Ching-Chang Ko’s group in the Dental School, we started to explore new biodegradable polymers for bone-repair. Previously, a hydroxyapatite-gelatin modified siloxane (HAp-Gemosil) composite was prepared by cross-linking (N, N’-bis[(3-trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylene diamine (enTMOS) around the HAp-Gel nanocomposite particles, to mimic the natural composition and properties of bone. However, the tensile strength remained too low for many orthopedic applications. In this project, we are exploring new polymers (ideally biocompatible and biodegradable) to increase the mechanical strength of such composites. Furthermore, we are investigating the degradation behavior, the cell-compatibility of these new materials (both in vitro and in vivo). More importantly, we intend to explore new biocompatible and biodegradable materials for applications beyond the dental composites. For example, materials for bone repair, and whether and how we can incorporate drugs into our composite materials to enable newer functions.