Syllabus

Analysis and design at a molecular scale of materials used in contact with biological systems, including biotechnology and biomedical engineering. Topics include molecular interactions between bio- and synthetic molecules and surfaces; design, synthesis, and processing approaches for materials that control cell functions; and application of state-of-the-art materials science to problems in tissue engineering, drug delivery, biosensors, and cell-guiding surfaces.

• Molecular Design and Synthesis of Biomaterials I: Biodegradable Polymeric Solids
• Controlled Release Devices from Solid Polymers
• Degradable polymers and Tissue Engineering
• Molecular Design and Synthesis of Biomaterials II: Hydrogels
• Molecular Design and Synthesis of Biomaterials III: Bioceramics and Biocomposites
• Combining Biological and Synthetic Molecules
• Stimuli-Responsive Biomaterials

Mission Statement of this Course

To teach the fundamental concepts (physical chemistry, chemistry, and materials physics) behind the design of materials with biological functions at a molecular scale.

Concepts not within the scope of this course will only be discussed where direct connections are made with the proposed outline:

Concepts Covered by Other Courses

1. Biomaterials surfaces (covered by 3.051 "Biomedical Applications of Materials" and at the graduate level in BE.441J/2.79J/3.96J "Biomaterials-Tissue Interactions").
2. Biomechanical artificial organs (covered by 2.782J/3.961J "Design of Medical Devices and Implants").
3. Wound healing in the presence of biomaterials (covered by BE.441J/2.79J/3.96J "Biomaterials-Tissue Interactions").
4. Structure of native biological materials and peptide-based self-assembly (covered by "Molecular Structure of Biological Materials").
5. Transport in biomaterials systems (covered by "Cell and Tissue Engineering").
6. Receptor-ligand interactions and modeling (covered by "Cell and Tissue Engineering," "Metabolic and Cell Engineering," and BE.420/10.538J Biomolecular Kinetics and Cellular Dynamics).

Concepts Largely Outside the Purview of "Molecular Principles"

1. Mechanics of biomaterials (mechanics already a significant part of both DMSE and BE core classes); materials which play a largely passive role (e.g. immunoisolation membranes)- we will cover cases where microstructure has signaling functions, e.g. bone.
2. General bulk materials properties, e.g. shape memory biomaterials.
3. Materials characterization approaches (well discussed in 3.051).
4. Processing will not be covered in depth in order to cover 'molecular' areas more thoroughly. It will be included in case studies and specific examples. Interesting areas that we will forego: 3D structure synthesis (3DP, MAPLE, laser microfabrication and 3D polymerization).
5. General mass production issues such as sterilization, and regulatory issues (just not enough time).

30%: Homework, which may include:

• Problem sets
• Critical evaluation of recent research literature

45%: Three 1 hour Exams
25%: Term Project

Be honest, it's that simple. We want to teach, you want to learn.