| Abstract Scope |
This presentation will involve discussion of the challenges and opportunities associated with one of the most promising new classes of drug delivery biomaterials utilizing non-covalent interactions to control drug release. Strict control of release is accomplished by engineering the architectural design of biomaterials at the molecular level. This presentation will also involve the fundamental aspects in the design, characterization, and analysis of these biomaterials and focus on the complex relationship between network formation, network structure and compositions, non-covalent interactions, the biointerface and drug transport. My group has begun to answer fundamental questions on the nature of this phenomena on the chain level. Emerging translational areas involve numerous thin film and micro/nanoparticle therapeutic release platforms, including new injectable materials to prophylactically treat posterior capsule opacification after cataract surgery. Within the field, the focus toward engineering biomaterials on the molecular level is advancing new products to patients enhancing quality of life. |