Materials Engineering and Biological Medicine: Principles and Applications of Polymer Biomaterials and Nanotechnology

Course 9: Materials Engineering and Biological Medicine: Principles and Applications of Polymer Biomaterials and Nanotechnology

I. Course Description

Can you imagine the synthetic nanowires being injected into the brain? The Charles M. Lieber nanomaterials from Harvard University is working on this. This study will greatly improve the treatment effect of the traditional treatment of Parkinsons disease and reduce the brain damage from DBS surgery. We can firmly believe that nanobiotechnology will be a magnificent beacon of scientific and technological progress of human society in this century.

Biomaterials and biological nanotechnology are the intersection of materials science, nanotechnology, and biology, providing new perspectives on addressing medical or biological problems. Based on nanobiology technology, biological macromolecules are used to build molecular devices, which has promoted the development of modern medical science. As an introductory course in the field, students are able to begin to understand the basic concepts in the field of research by learning the course. The course content was also extended to examples including biomaterials, drug delivery, etc.

II. Professor Introduction

James Kwan – Professor, Oxford University

Professor James Kwan is an outstanding scholar in the field of chemical and biomedical engineering. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York in 2007, followed by further studies at Columbia University, and his MPhil, MSc and PhD in 2012 under Professor Mark Borden. Professor Kwans research focuses on stimulus-responsive microparticles and nanoparticles, exploring the mechanical, thermal and chemical effects of ultrasound and cavitation. His work aims to address major challenges in personal and environmental health, including the development of ultrasound-responsive materials capable of facilitating local heating and free radical formation. In addition, he was interested in the biological effects of ultrasound on bacterial biofilms. While at Oxford, he received the Young Fellowship from New College, which was a recognition and encouragement to his outstanding performance in scientific research. He is now an associate professor in the Department of Engineering Sciences and is also a tutor at Balliol College.

III. Syllabus

1. Atom; atomic structure; subatomic particles; atomic model
2. Molecular electronic configuration; covalent bond; molecular structure
3. Intermolecular interactions
4. Macromolecules; monomer; polymers and macromolecules
5. Introduction to Biomaterials; Biocompatibility
6. Polymer synthesis: polymerization method; polymer structure and design
7. Synthesis and design of nanoparticles
8. Nanotechnology applications: cardiovascular; chronic wounds; cancer
9. Biomaterials administered: a controlled release system
10. Frontier course: ultrasound enhanced drug administration