9310070 Alexander This grant will fund research to develop composites for biomedical applications. The materials will consist of an absorbable polymer reinforced with calcium phosphate based fibers. One of the goals of this research is to have the composite degrade over a period of two years into near neutral degradation products. The investigators intend to test the mechanical and chemical characteristics of the fibers, produce the composites, and perform in vivo testing. This research is important since it could lead to the development of absorbable fracture fixation devices that will eliminate the need for second surgeries to remove hardware. Since the materials should allow the gradual transfer of the load to the healing bone, the need for stress shielding should be eliminated. These materials should also be able to be used for the controlled release of growth and differentiation factors to bone healing sites. ***
