9529161 RATNER The Engineering Research Center for Engineered Biomaterials (UWEB) at the University of Washington is established with the primary objective to exploit specific biological recognition mechanisms in order to develop new generation of biomaterials for medical implants that will heal in the body in a facile, physiologically normal manner. A new generation of biomaterials will be developed that can interact with specific cell receptors or bind with appropriate proteins, and then initiate the desired biological responses allowing control of healing. Direct spin-offs from this approach include affinity chromatography supports, biosensors, nonfouling surfaces, manipulation of inflammation and cell culture substrates. An interdisciplinary team of materials scientists, molecular and biologists, biomolecular engineers, and physicians will collaborate in three independent thrust areas: (1) Design, synthesis and characterization of new molecular materials, (2) Modulation of cell signaling to develop biomaterials that heal, and (3) Medical application and healing. The major knowledge advancement will be mainly in the area of understanding the biology of healing at the molecular level and consequently, on the ability to manipulate the macrophage cells. The technology advancement will be the coupling of materials engineered at the molecular level into macroscopic signaling system of the human organism which will lead to radically different kinds of medical implants. The UWEB will begin with twenty seven sponsoring companies collaborating in the research program and technology transfer activities. Industry will participate in research as resident technical fellows, and will be involved in clinical research and testing which will not be funded by the NSF award. The Center will provide integrated education and training in life sciences and engineering to the graduate and undergraduate students through new courses, teaching laboratories, and self-paced t utorials. The University's K-12 and High School Outreach Programs will be expanded to include the activities of the UWEB. The ERC will collaborate with the NSF supported ECSEL Coalition Program. ***
