Research Topic

Advanced Biomaterials Laboratory

Research

Artificial hair is a medical, fiber-based implantation material designed to mimic the form and function of natural hair by directly implanting synthetic polymer fibers into alopecic areas. This research aims to address the inflammation commonly associated with conventional artificial hair by incorporating titanium to enhance biocompatibility. In particular, we seek to achieve both strong adhesion to skin tissue and immune stability, thereby promoting dermal cell attachment and proliferation while attenuating macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses. Ultimately, this approach is intended to support long-term integration of the implanted fibers with scalp skin tissue.

A hyaluronic acid (HA)–based gum filler is a dental injectable designed to improve interdental papilla loss—commonly presenting as “black triangles”—caused by aging, periodontal disease, or dental procedures. Building on the excellent biocompatibility and water-retention capacity of HA, the formulation incorporates polynucleotide (PN) to go beyond simple volume replacement and support stable gingival tissue regeneration. This approach can deliver aesthetic improvement while also contributing to a healthier oral hygiene environment, offering immediate benefits through a relatively simple, minimally invasive procedure without damaging tooth structures.

A dental implant fixture is the core component anchored directly into the alveolar bone to provide stable support for the prosthesis and to distribute masticatory forces to prevent micromotion. Because insufficient early fixation can lead to implant failure, we optimize thread geometry to minimize stress concentration and apply advanced surface treatments to enhance osteoblast adhesion. In parallel, metal 3D printing is used to fabricate patient-specific fixtures tailored to individual anatomy. This approach is expected to improve primary stability and accelerate bone–implant integration for reliable long-term performance.

A GBR membrane (barrier membrane) is placed over bone graft material in sites with insufficient alveolar bone during dental implant procedures. It protects the defect area, maintains a space for bone ingrowth, and prevents the faster-growing soft tissue from invading the regeneration site—thereby supporting effective bone formation. The membrane also helps stabilize the blood clot and retain healing factors, creating a favorable environment for recovery. As a result, GBR membranes can improve the quantity and quality of regenerated bone and increase the success rates of implant and periodontal surgeries.

A patient-customized healing silicone cover is a dental medical device designed to support regeneration of deficient gingival tissue after implant surgery. Fabricated to match a patient’s oral anatomy, it physically blocks bacterial contamination within the oral cavity while providing a stable environment that promotes soft tissue healing. This approach aims to improve clinical stability and enhance regenerative outcomes following implant procedures.

Antibacterial contact lenses are functional lenses engineered to inhibit bacterial adhesion and proliferation on the lens surface. By reducing microbial contamination and biofilm formation during lens wear, these lenses aim to lower the risk of keratitis and other contact lens–related infections. They are designed to complement real-world exposure routes, including contamination during cleaning/storage and microbial contact during wear. Key expected benefits include reduced bacterial attachment, decreased inflammation and infection risk, and improved wearing safety and convenience.

An intraocular lens (IOL) is an ophthalmic medical device implanted to restore vision after removal of an opacified natural lens. By incorporating Zn ions and a biomimetic polymer, our IOL surface is engineered to modulate cell adhesion and inflammatory signaling. This design aims to suppress postoperative inflammation and reduce excessive proliferation of lens epithelial cells, thereby lowering the incidence of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and supporting long-term visual stability.

This research focuses on surface modification strategies to improve the biocompatibility of patient-specific orthopedic implants fabricated from Ti-6Al-4V (Ti64) using metal 3D printing. Selective Laser Melting (SLM)-based titanium alloy implants can exhibit limited early-stage osseointegration. To overcome this limitation, we engineer tantalum-based nano-wrinkled and nanoporous surface architectures to enhance bioactivity and osteogenic cell affinity. These tantalum nanostructures are designed to promote osteoblast attachment, proliferation, and differentiation, while improving corrosion resistance—thereby accelerating initial bone integration and improving long-term implant stability.

This study investigates a tantalum-based nanostructure formation strategy to enhance the biocompatibility of 3D-printed NiTi stents. Patient-specific NiTi stents are fabricated via metal additive manufacturing, followed by accelerated implantation of tantalum ions to generate functional nanostructures on the stent surface. The primary goal is to promote rapid endothelialization after vascular implantation by enhancing endothelial cell attachment and proliferation. In addition, the tantalum nanostructured surface is designed to improve corrosion resistance and hemocompatibility, thereby reducing the risks of restenosis and thrombus formation.

A PEEK spinal fusion cage is an orthopedic implant inserted after discectomy to maintain intervertebral height and alignment. This research focuses on improving surface bioactivity and biocompatibility to promote bone cell attachment and proliferation, enabling stable bone fusion around the implant. By enhancing osseointegration at the implant–bone interface, this strategy is expected to improve clinical stability and long-term outcomes in spinal fusion.