Variable Porosity Nanocellulose Solid Forms for Biomedical Applications
Principal Investigator: Michael Mason (Chemical and Biological Engineering, UMaine)
Partners: Douglas Bousfield (CHEME, UMaine), Ian Dickey (Colorado Limb Consultants)
Abstract: Biomedical and material scientists and engineers are constantly seeking to develop new materials or new applications of existing materials, that address existing and emerging challenges in human health. Dehydrated cellulose Nano-fiber (CNF), produced here at UMaine, is one such material, which in solid-form, could have a number of potential biomedical applications. Under the appropriate processing conditions, CNF solid-forms can be produced with impressive mechanical properties (porosity, strength-to-weight ratios, modulus, machinability, durability, etc.). Recent work suggests that non-treated CNF based materials cause no toxic effects on fibroblast cell membranes or during DNA proliferation and cause no effect on the inflammatory response in mouse or human macrophages. These properties, for example, implicate CNF as a potential synthetic bone or surgical bone scaffold. Leveraging the support of the RRF assistantship, we propose to continue to investigate the efficacy of CNF solid-forms for this application, generating the data we need to seek continued extramural funding, including commercialization opportunities within the Maine business community. Specifically, we propose to develop the enabling technology necessary to generate high porosity (large pore size), and variable porosity CNF solid forms, mimicking natural bone.