Current Research

Current focus on preparation and characterization of biodegradable polymer/calcium phosphate composites, including the porous scaffolds, microspheres, human bone composites, etc.

A new composite scaffold for bone tissue engineering applications has been prepared by combining biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) with bioresorbable calcium phosphate (CaP) cement particles through the processes of particle fusion, particle leaching and phase separation. The scaffold is characterized by a high level of interconnected macroporosity (macropores of ~0.8-1.8mm, porosities ranging from 81% to 91%), improved mechanical properties with respect to the polymer alone, controllable degradation rate and excellent dimensional stability during culture - with or without fibroblast-like cells. Scaffold properties were controlled by adjusting PLGA molar mass and concentration, CaP/PLGA ratio and porogen size. Testing mechanical properties in wet conditions at 37°C is more stringent than in dry conditions, but more relevant for materials to be employed in a biological milieu; the new scaffold was found to exhibit adequate mechanical properties in wet/37°C conditions and withstand the forces of cell contraction. The new composite was also osteoconductive in vivo. It was found that small (<20um) CaP particles favoured bone ingrowth into, and remodeling of, the scaffold.

Background

• Polymer chemistry, biomaterials for dental and orthopaedic applications.
• Conducted research and teaching on dental materials for many years in China.

Awards and Scholarships

• NSERC (2002-2003).
• IBBME Scientific Day best poster presentation (2002).
• Chinese national scholarship for studying abroad (1998-1999).

Publications/Patents

• LM Guan, CE Holy, MS Shoichet, JE Davies. United States Patent, US 7022522 B2, Macroporous polymer scaffold containing calcium phosphate particles, 2006.
• LM Guan, J E Davies, Preparation and characterization of a highly macroporous biodegradable composite tissue engineering scaffold. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research, vol. 71A(3), pp. 480-487, 2004.
• LM Guan, ZQ Chen, XQ Liu, Chinese Patent, ZL 96 1 17678.4, A no-mix adhesive,2001.

Personal Interests

Driving to beautiful natural resorts with classical music playing all the way, is my favourite past time. Skiing and skating in the winter, swimming in the summer, playing badminton and volleyball are also my hobbies.