Even though the current generation of medical devices and biomaterials saves and improves the quality of millions of lives, there is room for improvement. The body does not recognize the molecules that make up plastic, metal, and ceramic implants. And so it isolates these implants, walling them off with scar tissue. Started September 1996, UWEB is headed by bioengineer Buddy Ratner, includes researchers from a wide range of disciplines, and has the corporate support of 3M, Baxter Healthcare, Dow Corning, and others. For example, her group is studying the biochemical signals bodies send out to heal wounds.
UWEB researchers hope to begin animal trials of the first materials in about three years.
November 1996 Let us know what you think about Frontiers.