Biocompatibility: Evaluation
The in vitro evaluation of biocompatibility can be carried out using cultured cells, ideally taken from a source appropriate for the intended site of the biomaterials, represent a powerful tool for the investigation of biocompatibility.
The development of new 'bioactive' materials and new materials, such as glass ceramics, for tissue engineering has presented new challenges for the assessment of biocompatibility. The groups at Sheffield are active in developing new methods for the study of cell-material interactions, and can perform contract research to enable industry and other bodies to better understand their own experimental materials and products.
Right: Electron micrograph of cells (false coloured red) adhering to a biomaterial surface.
Researchers active in this area include Prof. Ian M Brook, Linda Elowsson, Prof. Paul Hatton, Dr. Kathryn Hurrell-Gillingham, Valdemar Da Rocha Barros (University of Sao Paulo, Brazil), Adalberto L. Rosa (University of Sao Paulo, Brazil), Luiz Salata (University of Sao Paulo, Brazil) and Prof. Ric Van Noort.