Tutorials

The purpose of a tutorial is to teach attendees about a specific technology or focus area. It may include up to two presenters and time for questions and answers. The invited speakers are selected for their experience in the field, as well as their ability to teach fundamental topics that are of increasing importance to a wide range of biomaterials scientists and engineers. Attendance at the tutorial is included with the general meeting registration. In 2007, the tutorial topics will be:

Preclinical studies are those in which a drug, device, combinational or tissue engineered product is tested using in vivo animal models, in vitro model systems, cadaveric specimens, and retrieval analyses of explants. All researchers involved in the field of biomaterials should appreciate the science, government regulations, and role of these types of projects in evaluating current products as well as in bringing a new drug or device to market

Responses to implants by cells and tissues are critically dependent on their ability to recognize the chemical and physical structure of the implant material. Moreover, the type and magnitude of a response is modulated by the biomechanical environment. Cellular recognition of materials involves the transduction of signals from outside the cell to inside the cell, which may result in alterations in cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, and function. This tutorial addresses the study of genes, molecules, and pathways that transduce signals from materials to cells and tissues. It will focus on state-of- the-art techniques to evaluate signal transduction mechanisms and predict cell responses to biomaterials.