Biomaterials and Biomimetics

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Millions of years of evolution have honed some of the world’s most successful material designs: low-weight toughness of bamboo, the flexible strength of spider silk, skin’s ability to heal. We are unlocking some of nature’s most powerful secrets to create polymer innovations for a wide range of applications, from enabling more resilient electronics to manufacturing more sustainable building materials to improving medical care. Our researchers are pioneering innovations in bio-inspired polymers and other biomaterials to develop more biocompatible medical implants, smarter drug-delivery systems, regenerative tissues and more. And our proximity to some of the nation’s top hospitals—Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, the VA Medical Center and MetroHealth Medical Center—gives us a unique advantage in translating our discoveries into clinical settings.

Institutes, centers and labs related to Biomaterials and Biomimetics

Nano Tech

Advincula Research Group

Develops ultrathin or superhydrophobic film coatings, packaging films using nanocomposites and other needs of the oil and gas industry.

Faculty who conduct research in Biomaterials and Biomimetics

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Hatsuo Ishida

Peter A. Asseff, PhD Professor of Organic Chemistry
Distinguished Research Professor
Professor, Macromolecular Science and Engineering

Develops advanced benzoxazine resins, thermosetting resins based on natural renewable materials and green flame retarding systems

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Valentin Rodionov

Assistant Professor, Macromolecular Science and Engineering

Investigates catalysis with soft materials: catalytic surfactants and polymers; complex macromolecular architectures for bio-inspired catalysis; and ligand-mediated nanocatalysis

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David Schiraldi

Professor Emeritus, Macromolecular Science and Engineering

Develops bio-based, flame-retarded plastics, polymer aerogels and packaging materials; and studies properties of polyesters

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Gary Wnek

Department Chair, Macromolecular Science and Engineering
Joseph F. Toot, Jr., Professor of Engineering
Professor, Macromolecular Science and Engineering

Develops advanced polymers for packaging, biomaterial applications and more.