Biomaterials and Bioengineering

Monash researchers are investigating the application of synthetic biomedical materials in a range of important areas, such as orthopaedics, dentistry, tissue engineering, cancer therapy and drug delivery. The goal of biomaterials and tissue engineering is to grow components of the body to help fight disease. In the Monash Engineering laboratories, biomedical materials are manufactured, carefully characterised and then tested in simulated body fluids, animal models and in clinical trials. The insight researchers gain plays an important role in whether these devices are successfully accepted by the body.

The development of biomaterials for clinical applications requires specific property development in terms of solubility, physical properties and tissue apposition. Various manufacturing techniques at Monash Engineering cover materials such as ceramics, polymers, metals and composites. Implants made from these materials are subjected to material analysis to define precisely the materials or redesign the material with desired properties or both.

Other research includes testing in simulated body fluids before in-vitro testing with various cell types. Further studies with animal models provide assessment of simultaneous response of multiple-cell lines simultaneously.

A key area of research is tissue engineering using embryonic and adult stem cells. The work is aimed at revolutionising the treatment of neurological degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, and developing arthritis and bone tissue replacements.

Dr John Forsythe
Tel: +61 3 9905 9609
E-mail: john.forsythe@eng.monash.edu.au