As biomedical technology has progressed, it has become increasingly important to develop materials for internal use in the body, either as prostheses or as drug delivery devices, or as interfaces with body solutions like blood. The objective of the State/Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for the Enhancement of the Biology/Biomaterials Interfaces at the University of Texas at San Antonio is to perform studies concerning the mechanisms which are involved in cellular response to biomaterials as well as to design and develop new materials and prototype devices. The major research topics include: (1) response of cells to hydrostatic pressure and materials, (2) bioresorption of biodegradable materials, (3) cardiac prostheses calcification and colonization, (4) bacterial biofilm formation, (5) drug delivery from oxide forming metals, (6) electrochemical integrity of implants, and (7) tissue adaptation to materials. The research will be carried out in collaboration with a number other institutions in the area. Twenty large, medium and small companies will be the initial members of the industrial partnership. Technology transfer will occur through information exchange, and test and evaluation performed by the companies.
