Mini-Workshops:
Hands-on mini-workshops focus on experimental techniques used in biomaterials research such as electron microscopy, hard tissue histotechnology, rapid prototyping and soft tissue printing, tissue procurement for cell culture, profilometry, surface spectroscopy, immunohistochemistry, and mechanical testing.

Mini-Workshop 1: Introduction to Biomaterials
Introductory workshop providing a comprehensive overview of materials used in the medical field. Classic material constructs in orthopaedics, vascular and dental applications will be covered, and attention will be given to modern formulations of metals, ceramics, and polymers for use in regenerative medicine. Topics of materials selection, implant design, and mechanical testing will be addressed. In addition, physical and mechanical properties of tissue as related to microstructure and issues of corrosion and wear in the body will be investigated.

Mini-Workshop 2: Hard Tissue Histology
Techniques used for the processing of implants and surrounding tissue; plastic resin selection, embedding, sectioning, grinding, and staining protocols specifics to plastic embedded sections (EXAKT system, Buhler instruments).

Mini-Workshop 3: Rapid Prototyping for Biomaterials
Techniques used for RP including working with new applications for current RP technologies. Overview and use of techniques developed to produce controlled porosity structures in biocompatible cobalt chrome alloys. Techniques used for printing of 3D structures using protein and cell printers. Overview and use of the printers to print 3D structures using thermo-reversible gels and smooth muscle cells.

Mini-Workshop 4: Cell and Tissue Culture
Methods for studying cell structure and function including basic cell culture techniques and in vitro biocompatibility analyses; tissue procurement techniques and cell isolation. Cell count and different types of assays used to evaluate cell response; principles and enzyme identification; spectrofluorometry.

Mini-Workshop 5: Profilometry
Light interferometry and non-contact surface profilometry. Specimen preparation and handling; measurement techniques. Data analysis and Excel worksheets (NT-2000, TOPO 3D, Veeco Corp.).

Mini-Workshop 6: Surface Spectroscopy
Principles of chemical characterization of surfaces. Sample handling; data acquisition; data library. Spectrum analysis (Fourier transformed infra-red spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-VIS spectroscopy).

Mini-Workshop 7: Immunohistochemistry
Techniques; monoclonal and polyclonal antibody preparations; enzyme selection for specific tissues; data interpretation. Slide libraries (includes a microscope tutorial).

Mini-Workshop 8: Mechanical Testing
Design of a test protocol to characterize the mechanical properties of materials with a focus of compression, tension, for static and dynamic loading. Friction measurements. Sample preparation; ASTM standards (Instron 1321 Biaxial Hydraulic System and 8874, V1000 Vitrodyne, DMA Seikko Inc.).