Master of Science in Bioengineering, University of Toledo, 2005, Bioengineering

Studies have shown that the mechanical properties of bone, as a composite material, depnd on the mineralization, crystallinity, molecular structure, and arrangement of the mineral crystals with the collagen matrix. [1,2] Knowing that the strength of any ocmposite material is intimately affected by the size and shape of reinforcing inclusions, it can be proposed thar the material level mechanical function of bone tissue can be altered by modifying the size and/or shape of carbonated hydroxyapatite crystals. [3,4] Polyelectrolytes (negatively and positively charged macromolecules) have been shown to alter the nucleation, growth, and the resulting morphology of mineral crystals in solution by limiting growth on specific crystal faces. [5-8] Some of these polyelectrolytes are in peptide form and possess biocompatible properties. Therefore, polyelectrolytes carry the potential of being administered in vivo with the intention of modulating bone's mechanical function by way of tailoring crystal geometry and size. This study assessed biocompatibility of polyelectrolytic agents on osteoblast-like cells as well as the capability of polyelectrolytic agent to alter crystal properties in bone nodules formed in vitro. It was hypothesized that collagen production would not be altered, but the viability and genetic expression will differ with polyelectrolytic treatment. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that the size and shape of crystals will also differ with polyelectrolyte treatment.

Committee: Ozan Akkus (Advisor) Subjects: