Biomechanics

My knowledge of biomechanics pretty much stopped when The Six Million Dollar Man went off the air. I am only slightly kidding.

Nevertheless, I found this, from a University of Michigan web site, to be a fascinating bit of text, and it only took me about ten minutes to convince myself that I understand what they're talking about. Okay, fifteen.

Biomaterials for the Central Nervous System

Recent developments have made it possible to synthesize novel poly(peptides) from bacteria using genetic engineering techniques. The flexibility and degree of control in the sequencing of amino acids by recombinant DNA procedures means it is now possible to exercise unprecedented precision and fidelity in constructing new macromolecules. Our studies are concentrating on the local structure and nature of self-assembly of these novel materials.

We have developed processing schemes to create microstructured films and fibers of genetically engineered proteins. By understanding and manipulating the stability of the protein in solution, it is possible to create films with controlled morphologies. These films are of interest for biocompatibilization of surfaces and for scaffolds for wound healing and tissue engineering.

Our primary interest is in the development of biocompatible surfaces for neural prosthetics. Our work involves the processing and characterization of biologically active polymers and polymer blends onto the surfaces of silicon micromachined substrates. We have been developing an electric field-mediated deposition process that allows us to reliably and quickly create thin fibrous coatings on solid substrates.

Neat, huh? No, really. What they're saying is that they've found a way to use genetic engineering techniques to build new kinds of protein structures (proteins being an essential part of life, used to literally build the body) , and that these structures can be used as part of the body's processes for wound repair. Think of it as a variant of Tool Time's Binford 5000, only on the molecular level. Okay,anything to improve, speed up, make more effective the repair of wounds. Good stuff.

But -- and here comes the sexy part -- they want to be able to use this capability to create 'biocompatible surfaces for neural prosthetics'. Sure, this is intended to repair places where the neural pathway is degraded or damaged - but, can you say 'brain jack'?

Now, that's cool.