UCL CENTRE FOR MATERIALS RESEARCH

Research Summary

Early projects investigated the interaction of osteoblast cells with novel soluble glasses and led to the development of a transformed human bone cell line originating from alveolar bone using viral transduction techniques. Subsequent work has been performed in collaboration with the Periodontology Deptartment, carrying out extensive studies of the biological response to novel bioceramic materials developed in the BTE Division. This work focussed on the effects of these glasses on a variety of soft and hard connective tissue cells, particularly at the gene level. VS has also been involved in preliminary studies of the interaction of cells with novel glass fibres and has investigated the effects of these fibres on the growth of human ligament in vitro using real-time imaging. The development of novel biomaterials and subsequent in vivo studies will lead to exploitation by established orthopaedic centres or biotechnology companies. Further funded studies involve the effects of therapeutic ultrasound on the in vitro growth and function of soft and hard connective tissue cells. More recently, new research work has involved the expression and processing of cell receptors, in particular of bone morphogenetic proteins, within oral tissues. VS also collaborates with clinical colleagues investigating methods of improving surgical repair in Periodontology using novel tissue regeneration techniques and in Oral Surgery developing novel photodynamic therapies for detection and treatment of oral cancers. More recent funded projects include the in vitro and in vivo characterisation of novel bone cements and adhesives for a variety of tissue regeneration applications.