INVITED SPEAKER

Bacteria Killing and Tissue Growing Nanostructures

Prof. Thomas Webster
Northeastern University, USA

Abstract

Nanotechnology is being used to mimic structural components of tissues in synthetic materials intended for various implant applications. Recent studies have highlighted that when compared to flat or micron rough surfaces, surfaces with nanofeatures promote optimal initial protein interactions necessary to mediate cell adhesion and subsequent tissue regrowth. This has been demonstrated for a wide range of implant chemistries (from ceramics to metals to polymers) and for a wide range of tissues (including bone, vascular, cartilage, bladder, skin, and the central and peripheral nervous systems). Importantly, these results have been seen at the in vitro and in vivo level. Recently, certain nanostructures and nanomaterials have also been shown to decrease bacteria function (without releasing antibiotics). This talk will cover some of the more significant advancements in these areas by highlighting the creation of better vascular, cardiovascular, neural, and orthopedic implants through nanotechnology efforts. It will also cover recent in vitro and in vivo studies which highlight reduced infection on nanomaterials. This talk will also address recent concerns of nanoparticle toxicity through either manufacturing or implantation.

Biography of the Invited Speaker

Dr. Thomas J. Webster’s degrees are in chemical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh (B.S., 1995) and in biomedical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (M.S., 1997; Ph.D., 2000). He is currently the Department Chair and Professor of Chemical Engineering at Northeastern University in Boston.