Research
Main Focused Science and Technology fields:
The EBMRC Main Focused Science and Technology exciting areas of future exploration are:
- Biomimetic Materials: Imagine materials that mimic the structure and function of natural tissues! This could lead to next-generation implants that seamlessly integrate with the body, or biomaterials that can respond to changes in the environment like natural tissues do.
- Self-healing Biomaterials: Biomaterials that can repair themselves when damaged would be a game-changer. This could extend the lifespan of implants and reduce the need for replacement surgeries.
- Bioprinting Organs and Tissues: 3D printing with biomaterials holds immense promise for creating functional organs and tissues for transplantation. This could revolutionize medicine by addressing the shortage of donor organs.
- Personalized Medicine: Engineered biomaterials tailored to an individual's specific needs could become a reality. This could involve biomaterials that take into account factors like a patient's age, genetics, or disease profile.
- Closed-Loop Drug Delivery: Biomaterials are designed to not only deliver drugs but also monitor their effectiveness and adjust release rates in real time. This could personalize treatment and minimize side effects.
- Bioresponsive Materials: Materials that can sense and react to biological signals in the body. Imagine implants that release pain medication when they detect inflammation, or wound dressings that accelerate healing based on cellular activity.
- Biosensors and Wearables: Engineered biomaterials can be used to create implantable or wearable biosensors that monitor various health parameters in real-time. This data can be used for disease prediction and personalized treatment plans in P4 medicine.
- Microfluidics and on-chip technologies: Advanced designs incorporate biocompatible materials to create a more cell-friendly environment is the main role of engineered biomaterials in microfluidic and on-chip technology in some applications like drug discovery, diagnostics, and tissue engineering
- Biomaterials for Anti-aging and Longevity: Exploring how biomaterials can be used to support cellular health, potentially promoting tissue regeneration and delaying age-related decline.
- Biomaterials for the Brain: The brain remains a mysterious and complex organ. Biomaterials that can interface with the brain or help repair neural damage could lead to breakthroughs in treating neurological disorders.
- Environmental Applications: Biomaterials for bioremediation, potentially cleaning up pollutants in soil and water, or even engineering microbes with specialized biomaterials for waste degradation.
- Biocompatible Electronics: Developing biomaterials that can seamlessly integrate with electronic components, paving the way for advanced bioelectronics for health monitoring and potential brain-computer interfaces.