Coursebooks

Biomaterials

BIOENG-442

Lecturer(s) :

Ghezzi Diego
Lütolf Matthias

Language:

English

Summary

This course covers the fundamental concepts behind the design, function and application of state-of-the-art biomaterials, that is, materials that are designed based on a molecular understanding of their interactions with biological systems.

Content

Part I: Biological fundamentals

• Cells, extracellular matrices and tissues
• Proteins and protein adsorption, immunological aspects of biomaterials
• Stem cells and tissue regeneration
• Angiogenesis

Part II: Biomaterials classes

• Biomaterials for devices, structural and chemically degradable biomaterials
• Micro- and nanoparticles
• Extracellular matrix-mimicking biomaterials
• Hydrogels as biomaterials
• Self-assembly and supramolecular biomaterials
• Biomaterials for gene delivery and vaccination

Part III: Emerging design and applications of biomaterials

• Tailoring materials for stem cell biology
• Biomaterials for tissue engineering
• Biomaterials for modulation of the immune system
• Biomaterials for neuroengineering
• Biomaterials in medical devices

Keywords

Cells, extracellular matrix, tissue, regeneration, angiogenesis, biodegradable materials, hydrogels, drug delivery, micro- and nano-particles, self-assembly, high-throughput screening, stem cell engineering, materials for immunemodulation

Learning Prerequisites

Recommended courses

Materials science for bioengineers (BIOENG-315)

Biology I (BIO-103)

Stem cell biology and technology (BIO-447)

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

• Elaborate key effectors and their functions driving protein- and cell-materials interactions
• Formulate the basics of inflammation induced by materials in the body
• Elaborate the basics of stem cell function and tissue regeneration, and how materials can influence regeneration
• Systematize the different general applications of biomaterials
• Contextualise specific examples of biomaterials on the basis of application and understands their selection criteria
• Judge the suitability of a material for a certain application based on structure-property relationships
• Formalize the key concepts in the molecular engineering of bioactivity and bioresponsiveness

Transversal skills

• Assess one's own level of skill acquisition, and plan their on-going learning goals.
• Make an oral presentation.
• Demonstrate a capacity for creativity.
• Continue to work through difficulties or initial failure to find optimal solutions.
• Evaluate one's own performance in the team, receive and respond appropriately to feedback.
• Communicate effectively, being understood, including across different languages and cultures.
• Use a work methodology appropriate to the task.
• Set objectives and design an action plan to reach those objectives.
• Plan and carry out activities in a way which makes optimal use of available time and other resources.

Teaching methods

• Ex cathedra
• Group case study

Expected student activities

• Reading key literature before each course as preparation
• Group case study

Assessment methods

• Group project: 30%
• Written exam: 70%

Supervision

Office hours	Yes
Assistants	Yes
Forum	Yes

Resources

Bibliography

Comprehensive Biomaterials, 1st edition, Paul Ducheyene et al., Elsevier (2011)

Principles of Tissue Engineering, Editors Lanza, Langer &Vacanti, Elsevier (2007)

Ressources en bibliothèque

• Comprehensive Biomaterials / Ducheyne
• Principles of tissue engineering / Lanza

Notes/Handbook

Will be provided on moodle webpage before each lecture

Moodle Link

• http://moodle.epfl.ch/course/view.php?id=681