Polymeric biomaterials and implants, controlled drug release, tissue engineering

Active implants can provide life-giving help to many systems in the body. When made of a biodegradable polymer, the degradation of such implants occurs by hydrolytic cleavage and the end products (carbon dioxide and water) are non-toxic. These implants can remain intact in the body for a predicted period of time – from weeks to years – and then degrade obviating the need for a removal surgery. We have been developing and studying novel fiber- and film-based bioresorbable structures loaded with various bioactive agents. These structures are designed to be used as basic elements of implants and scaffolds for tissue regeneration applications. In addition to their regular role of support, these implants also release bioactive agents in a controlled manner and thus, induce healing effects. We are investigating the effects of the process’ kinetic and thermodynamic parameters on the nano- and micro-structural features of these implants and on the resulting properties (mainly drug release profile, mechanical and physical properties). The results of our studies thus have great medical relevance and provide solutions to basic needs in the fields of medical implants and tissue regeneration.

Current main projects:

• Wound dressings with controlled release of antibiotics for treatment of patients with large burns, diabetic ulcers and pressure sores.
• Highly porous scaffolds for bone regeneration with growth factor release.
• Core/shell fiber structures loaded with antiproliferative agents for vascular stents and local cancer treatment.
• A new class of bioactive and biodegradable soybean-base scaffolds for tissue regeneration applications.
• Novel drug-eluting soft tissue adhesives and hard tissue adhesives based on natural polymers.