Expertise in molecular biocompatibility of implant materials. Hydroxyapatite (HA) and bioactive glass materials are commonly used in medical and dental implants. However, the mechanisms by which implant material surface chemistry and topography initiate the biological tissue response, and the molecular nature the tissue response still remain largely unknown. This study aims to establish the in vitro and in vivo molecular profiles of osteogenic activities as a function of biomaterial surface chemistry and topography. The expected profile will be used as a biological guide for: (1) the selection of optimal material surface chemistry and topography for controlled cell attachment and bone formation, and (2) the development of novel osteoinductive coating systems for dental and medical implant devices.

Expertise in engineered bone regeneration with biomimetic scaffolds. Over one million surgical operations annually in this country involve bone repair. An existing challenge in bone tissue engineering is to develop scaffolds which have programmed osteogenic bioactivity and biodegradation. The study has been carried out in this field is based on the hypothesis that the material chemistry and three-dimensional geometry of tissue engineering scaffolds can be manipulated under the guidance of biological parameters, resulting in scaffold-controlled tissue reactions favorable to bone regeneration. The long-term goal is to develop a novel approach to biomimetic scaffolds with ordered microarchitectures and biofunctional ingredients, as well as anatomically accurate macrostructure for clinical treatment of orofacial and orthopedic bone defects.

Expertise in HIV-1 infection in oral mucosal Langerhans cells.