Main interests of biomaterials research division are:

• design, development and characterization of 2D nanocomposite dense films and 3D nanocomposites porous scaffolds, based on biodegradable polymer matrix and organic/inorganic nanostructures (nanohydroxyapatite, carbon nanotubes, silver nanoparticle, etc.), to modulate specific properties: osteoconductivity, electrical and mechanical properties.
• study and characterization of polymer and nanocomposite plasma surface treatments for tissue engineering applications.
• nanotopography amorphous carbon deposition in order to evaluate the effect of pattern dimension and geometry on adhesion, proliferation, alignment and differentiation of human stem cells.
• design, development and characterization of new antibacterial hybrid materials with specific surface properties.
• development of micro-nano polymeric particle, nanoshells, micelles for diagnosis and drug delivery systems.
• Mechanical, structural, physical and finite element analysis of fiber reinforced posts .
• Mechanical, structural, physical and finite element analysis of teeth-post system.
• Characterization, functionalization and pH cycling evaluation of dental cement.

The structure of this laboratory permits the preparation and analysis of samples for bio-engineering applications. The equipment available includes the following:

• waterproof Glove box (3rd class biological hood) for the manipulation and preparation of both inorganic and organic, organometallic and biochemical compounds;
• tabletop centrifuge for biological, microbiological and biochemical research;
• tabletop measurer pH/mV/temperature, a pH-meter which includes 3 points autocalibration, manual/automatic temperature compensation, adjustable resolution of 0,0001-0,01-0,1pH, an internal timer and a RS-232 serial connection for an interfacing printer or computer.
• Incubator EN 400 P, Nüve, to study the degradation kinetic of biodegradable polymer film and scaffold
• Critical Point Drier (CPD), EMITECH K850, for biological sample preparation for FESEM analysis