Development of a Nano Material as a Bone Regenerative System for the Oral Cavity

Scanning Electron Microscope Image of NanoCalcium Sulfate.

The project will involve testing materials that can be used to enhance bone regeneration at defects in the jaw bones of humans, using CT scanning techniques and developing a system of measurement of bone volume.

Project description

Our laboratory is in the process of developing a material, nano calcium sulfate that can be used to enhance bone regeneration at defects in the jaw bones of humans. We have fabricated a calcium sulfate material that has nanosized particles and thus appears to offer more optimal surface area for the attachment of bone cells so that the bone repair process could start where the material is placed in the jaw bones. However, we wish now to perfect the material by controlling the pore size so that not only cells, but also growth factors can attach and further enhance the repair process. The project on which this undergraduate student would work will involve devising various mixtures of the nano calcium sulfate and materials like fibrin or alginate to create pores and then analyzing the ability of these systems to support osteoblastic cell attachment and growth. The techniques will employ scanning electron microscopy as well as cell culturing techniques. In addition the project could entila placement of the material in a bony defect in animal models and assessing bone regeneration using microCt analyses. This aspect of the project would involve CT scanning techniques and developing of a system of measurement of the bone volume.

Project outcome

The specific outcomes of this project will be identified by the faculty mentor at the beginning of your collaboration. 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment About one semester (3-5 months)
Start time Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
In-person, remote, or hybrid?
 In-person
Level of collaboration Individual Student Project
Benefits Academic Credit, Volunteer, Work Study
Who is eligible students with basic biology, chemistry, and computer skills
Goldwater and the National Science Foundation

Students participating in this project might be interested in and eligible for the Goldwater Scholarship and the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. Connect with the Office of Fellowships and Scholarships to learn more.

Project mentor

Rosemary Dziak

Professor

Oral Biology

318 Foster Hall

Phone: (716) 829-3827

Email: rdziak@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 
Start the Digital Badge

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

Keywords

Oral Biology