BME 477. Introduction to Biomaterials (3 hrs - Spring semesters). Major classes of materials used in medical devices including polymers, metals, ceramics, composites, and natural materials are discussed. Biocompatibility, host reactions to biomaterials, immune response, wound healing, biomaterial implantation and acute inflammation, thrombosis, infection, tumorigenesis and calcification of biomaterials, testing and degradation of biomaterials in vivo are covered. Special biomaterials applications such as cardiovascular devices, drug delivery, and tissue engineering are covered. Additionally, biomedical device design and regulatory issues are also discussed. Prerequisites: CHEM 211, PHYS 213 or PHYS 313.
BME 777. Biodegradable Materials (3 hrs - Spring semesters). Provides students with a comprehensive overview of biodegradable materials as it relates to their applications in the biomedical and health care fields. Covers in detail different classes of biodegradable materials including biodegradable polymers, ceramics and metals. Synthesis, characterization and degradation of these materials in the biological environment are covered. Biodegradation/bio-corrosion mechanisms of these materials, the complexity of the response of the biological environment and the experimental methods for monitoring the degradation process are discussed, as well as strategies for surface modification to control the degradation. Finally, specific applications of these materials in drug delivery, cancer therapy, regenerative therapies, cardiovascular and orthopedic applications are covered. Prerequisites: BME 477 or ME 651 or instructor consent.
BME 779. Tissue Engineering (3 hrs - Fall semesters). Provides an introduction to the strategies and fundamental bioengineering design criteria behind the development of tissue substitutes. Principles of engineering and the life sciences toward the development of biological substitutes that restore, maintain, or improve tissue function are covered. include stem cells, cell growth and differentiation, cell signaling, materials for scaffolding, scaffold degradation and modification, cell culture environment, cell nutrition, cryopreservation, bioreactor design, clinical applications, regulatory and ethics. Prerequisites: BME 477 or instructor consent.
BME 482. Design of BioDevices (3 hrs - Fall semesters). Discusses the overview of device definitions, selection and use of materials in in-vitro medical devices, and implantable medical devices, product development and documentation, regulation and testing of medical devices, reliability and liability, licensing and patents, manufacturing and quality control, biocompatibility, FDA and ISO 10993 biological evaluations. Provides an overview of the multiple issues in designing a marketable medical device, including the design process from clinical problem definition through prototype and clinical testing to market readiness. Case studies will be discussed. Students must be within three semesters of graduation in order to take this course. Prerequisites: BME 335 and program consent. (currently being taught by Dr. Brookings)