9802329 Goodman Collagen, which forms a unique triple helical structure, is the most abundant extracellular protein in vertebrates. Collagen possesses many favorable characteristics for biomaterials development, including high tensile strength, low antigenicity, low inflammatory and cytotoxic properties, and the ability to promote cellular growth and cellular attachment. The PI will design a new class of collagen biomaterials, incorporating dendrimeric structure, thereby creating defined macromolecular domains for the collagen mimetics. Several core structures have been chosen to develop a diverse family of collagen-based dendrimers, which can be further manipulated for specific applications. %%% This project, supported by the Divisions of Materials Research and Molecular & Cellular Biosciences and by the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities in the Directorate for Mathematical & Physical Sciences is in the area of biomaterials. Collagen- based biomaterials have broad potential biomedical applications, including ocular devices, coatings and adhesives, biosensors, implant materials and drug delivery systems. The combination of dendrimer and collagen properties represents an exciting challenge to create novel biomaterials. ***
