Technical Symposium MD
This Symposium focuses on the practical applications of the synthesis, characterization, and performance (both in vitro and in vivo) of coatings and modified surfaces designed for biomedical applications, including health, food and agriculture. The symposium is devoted to creating a friendly hub platform to promote research discussions between material scientists, engineers, coating experts, nanotechnologists, and clinicians. Papers are solicited in areas related to bioactive and biocompatible coatings for implants (e.g., orthopedic, dental, spinal, etc.), cardio-vascular stents, drug delivery, and biosensing. Examples of research topics sought are hydroxyapatite coatings, biomimetic and bio-inspired coatings, antimicrobial, anti-biofouling, drug-eluting coatings, blood-compatible coatings, electrospun coatings, biofunctionalization of material surfaces such as tissue engineering scaffolds by wet chemical and plasma methods, cell-surface interactions, bio-lubrication and bio-tribology, and processing and characterization of biomaterial surfaces. Studies of the interactions between coatings and the biological environment, including tribocorrosion and other degradation mechanisms, are also welcome. Moreover, research on the effect of biomaterial coatings on biological behavior, such as cell growth, adhesion, and gene expression, is sought. Contributions in retrieval implant analysis, releasing metal ions/particles, smart/intelligent surfaces, and potential clinical concerns will also be considered. A new key interest is the applications of coatings in additive manufacturing, as many novel 3D-printed implants benefit from surface coatings to promote osseointegration and, more generally, biocompatibility.
MD1. Coatings and Surfaces for Medical Devices: Mechanical, Corrosion, Tribocorrosion, and Surface Processing
This session focuses on coatings and surface engineering strategies for biomedical applications, including implants, medical devices, and surgical instruments. Contributions addressing surface modifications that enhance mechanical performance, corrosion, wear and tribocorrosion resistance, biocompatibility, osseointegration, cell proliferation, and tissue regeneration are particularly encouraged. The session also welcomes research on biofunctional surfaces that regulate biological responses, including thrombosis prevention, restenosis reduction, controlled ion release, smart drug delivery, implantable sensors, and diagnostic platforms. Both experimental and computational studies investigating the underlying mechanisms governing biomaterial-tissue interactions, as well as the in vitro and in vivo performance of coated biomaterials, are within the scope of the session. Clinical relevance, physiological responses, and the translation of advanced surface engineering concepts into biomedical applications are particularly encouraged.
Keywords: Coatings and Surface modifications of biomaterials, Corrosion, Tribology, Tribocorrosion, 3D printing/additive manufacturing, Implants, Retrieval studies, recent advancements in surface characterization techniques
MD1 Invited Speakers:
- Shekhar Bhansali, Vanderbilt University, USA
- Jose Daniel De Mello, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Brazil, “Tribology: Looking Back and Looking Ahead”
- Amandine Impergre, Clemson University, USA, “Corrosion of Implants”
- Zou Min, University of Arkansas, USA, “Coatings”
- Johnson V. Johnson, Terasaki, USA, “Regenerative Engineering”
MD2. Coatings and Sensors for Healthcare, Food and Agriculture: Antibacterial, Bioactive and Flexible Interfaces
This session focuses on bioactive coatings, functional surfaces, biointerfaces, and biosensors that control and exploit interactions between biological systems and engineered materials for applications in healthcare, food, and agriculture. Surface properties – including chemistry, topography, mechanical properties, wettability, and electrochemical characteristics – play a fundamental role in regulating cell, protein, and bacterial responses, enabling the development of multifunctional surfaces with tailored biological performance. Contributions addressing antibacterial and antifouling coatings, bioinspired and biomimetic surfaces, regenerative biomaterials, tissue engineering, smart diagnostic platforms, implantable and wearable sensors, flexible bioelectronics, and controlled biological interfaces are particularly encouraged. The session also welcomes research on advanced manufacturing approaches, including additive manufacturing and 3D bioprinting, functionally graded biomaterials, computational modeling, artificial intelligence, and data-driven design of biomaterials and biointerfaces. Both fundamental studies of cell–material interactions and application-driven developments for healthcare, food safety, agriculture, and environmental biotechnology are within the scope of the session.
Keywords: Biocompatibility, Antibacterial properties, Biointerfaces, Cell-Material interaction pathways and Mechanisms, Regenerative materials and surfaces, Tissue engineering, 3D Bioprinting, Computational model and AI-driven biomaterials, Biosensors and diagnostic devices.
MD2 Invited Speakers:
- Nicola Cioffi, University of Bari, Italy
- Yuan-Pang Hsien, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan
- Huinan H. Liu, University of California, Riverside, USA
- Shalini Prasad, University of Texas at Dallas, USA
- Renu Vyas, MIT ADT University, India