By Mika Perlada, NJCBM Intern
September 16, 2015
The European Society for Biomaterials recently concluded its Annual Conference ESB2015 in Krakow, Poland. This regular meeting of the ESB enables scientists and engineers from different disciplines to discuss current issues concerning the latest research in the field of biomaterials. The conference sessions included topics such as biomaterials for regenerative medicine, nanotechnology, stem cell applications and other smart systems for various therapies.
Among the attendees was the New Jersey Center for Biomaterial’s own Director, Professor Joachim Kohn. As the opening plenary speaker for the event, he discussed the growing interest in the use of bioactives and synthetic biomaterials in combination with cells and stem cells, as well as current innovations in the application of biomaterials enabled therapies. In his presentation entitled “Bioactive Materials for the Treatment of Major Injuries: Opportunities and Challenges”, he shared some of the difficulties that biomaterials science faces, from the perspectives of both the fundamental science and technology development. He described some of the hurdles a technology must overcome to reach regulatory approval and commercialization.
The impact of biomaterials science and the advancement of tissue engineering have made possible new treatments for patients who suffer from devastating injuries. War veterans, who have sustained devastating injuries to the face, massive third degree burns, and loss of limbs due to blast injuries, now have alternative treatment options. Bioactive materials are emerging as a key factor in engineering extracellular matrix (ECM)-like properties in materials, and will likely remain in the research spotlight as more products integrating these desired properties continue to be developed. As these innovative therapies progress, the benefits are likely to cascade to the civilian population as well.
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