Medical Engineering is a multidisciplinary STEM field that integrates knowledge across engineering, materials science, biology and medicine to develop new devices, algorithms, processes and systems that improve medical practice and health care delivery. Our research focuses on advanced engineering materials and the use of nanotechnology to build novel composites, biomaterials and implants with improved mechanical, physical and antibacterial properties with the aim to improve clinical outcomes in medicine and dentistry.
The Medical Engineering and Biomaterials Research group in SECaM works closely with the Schools of Biology, Biomedical Sciences and Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, as well as the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, creating a rich academic environment that produces world-leading research on nanosafety and biomaterials.
Our group’s specialisation is on the following key areas:
- synthesis and advanced characterisation of engineered nanomaterials
- development of novel nano-enabled medical devices, implants and biomaterials
- use of graphene in medical applications and biosensors
- modification of surface nanotopography
- synthesis and application of antibacterial nanocoatings and films for medical applications
- smart nanocoatings to prevent biofouling in marine applications
- evaluation of the antibacterial effect of nanomaterials against pathogenic bacteria and fungi
- investigation of nanomaterials behaviour in complex biological media (blood, urine, saliva)
- bone and tissue remineralisation
- investigation of tissues-materials interactions
- 3D tissue engineering and biocompatibility studies
- computational biomodelling (CFD and FEA)
- nanosafety
