Tecnologia dos Biomateriais

Objectives

Learning advanced concepts of materials science and engineering applied to the fields of bioengineering and biomedicine. At the end of this UC, the student should be able to, for a specific medical application targeted, to select materials and manufacture processes to provide adequate form and shape; understanding the relation between materials molecular structure and organization with bulk, surface and biological interface properties as well as the methods for their molecular synthesis, macroscopy processing and evaluation of materials chemical, physical and biological performance. Concepts will be consolidated in a wet laboratory hands-on work. Learning opportunities will be offered by Medical Doctor expert on specific procedures and materials used on state of art medical practice. The biomaterials role in regenerative medicine will be highlight in case studies including students’ seminars. An open project, addressing a well-defined challenge will be developed on a dry laboratory.

Syllabus

This UC learning tracks are: 1.Sessions on state of art of biomaterials technologies based medical procedures; 2.Sessions on materials science and engineering concepts: a.the molecular structure, properties, and chemical synthesis and modification of the materials used in medicine -with emphasis on polymers; b.biocompatibility and other interactions between material and biological systems, namely material biodegradability and host response; c.methods to obtain 2D, 3D and nano structures and mimicking the extracellular matrix, including additive manufacture, cell encapsulation and 3D, and production of scaffolds for tissue engineering; and d.biomaterials applications, such as drug delivery, implants and scaffolds. 3.case studies on the use of materials for regenerative medicine presented by students and/or faculty; 4.wet laboratory on polymer preparation and characterization; 5.dry laboratory, using engineering approaches for the ideation and design of a biomaterial-based technology.

Cross Competence Component

The dry laboratory project requires strategic and critical thinking, as well as creativity and problem-solving strategies, competences evaluated along with the quality of the technical work developed, which requires the use of computer tools, and the quality of oral and written communication. The development of proactivity, initiative and ability to make decisions are competences promoted by the work on projects with open topics (dry laboratory project and seminar). Information and media literacy are promoted in the preparation of debates, seminars and reporting. Professional ethics, tolerance, openness and respect for diversity are promoted by working in multi-cultural teams and discussions and debate. Skills in oral and written communication, as well as teamwork, are promoted in seminars and laboratory projects. Skills on argumentation are initiated in the preparation of debates and discussions.

Laboratorial Component

The wet laboratory work is focused on the preparation of polymers, an elastomer and a hydrogel, using different methods of cross-linking. The polymers obtained are then characterized concerning their mechanic properties and capacity to uptake water. The hydrophobicity of the materials is assessed by contact angle estimation.

Programming And Computing Component

The dry laboratory project offers a hands-on learning opportunity to use engineering tools (e.g. 3D CAD design, energy and/or mass transfer modelling, force and pressure distribution estimation, electrical circuits calculations) for the ideation and design of a solution to address a specific challenge (e.g. design of a scaffold and/or device for delivering and control of stimuli during tissue growth culture). This project has specific guidelines and boundaries, but it is an open solution project, and therefore different type of calculus or computing tools can be used.

Ethical Principles

All members of a group are responsible for the group’s work In any assessment every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used. In an oral assessment, every student shall be alble to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.