We are developing Injectable, weight-bearing, therapeutic composites that promotes bone regeneration in sites of compromised tissue. This work involves a number of disciplines such as chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, biology, and surgical medicine. The current aims are as follows:

• Synthesize bone/poly(ester urethane) composite foams with an elastic modulus similar to that of bone
• Characterize the osteoconductive potential of composite foams in vitro and in vivo
• Assess the performance of the composite foams in cadaveric models of spine fractures
• Develop osteoinductive strategies that will enhance the ability of the composite foams to regenerate bone

The VUMC Center for Bone Biology is a member of the VUMC Department of Medicine in the Division of Clinical Pharmacology.