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Paul Wooley

745-6488
ad8754@wayne.edu

Area of Interest
Orthopaedic Surgery is interested in nanotechnology from several standpoints. The first relates to our extensive experience in the biological response to wear debris. Wear particles are becoming extremely small due to the use of new materials (highly cross-linked ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and ceramics), and we are studying the differences in cellular responses to different particles, with particular emphasis upon how size, shape and composition alters cellular activities. Second, we are interested in evaluating how material properties could be manipulated by nanotechnology to improve biocompatibility, with an emphasis on promoting bone growth and adherence to the surface of implants. Lastly, we have experience in gene therapy and other novel forms of therapeutic delivery systems, which we can apply to our animal model of arthritis and surgical complications (implant failure).

Resources
We are equipped to measure biocompatibility using a full range of in vivo and in vitro techniques from small animal surgery to cellular and molecular biological responses. Our histology division is highly experienced in specimen preparation and advanced immunohistochemical analysis.

Collaboration Interests:
We seek researchers who can engineer materials appropriate for orthopaedic applications. This could range from anti-inflammatory drug delivery systems to novel implant surface technology. We are not restricted by distance, as we provide the biological testing facilities rather than the nanotechnology itself.