Interdisciplinary Research Centre (IRC) in Biomedical Materials

The multidisciplinary research includes hard tissue replacement, tissue engineering and biomaterials.

The Interdisciplinary Research Centre (IRC) in Biomedical Materials was established at Queen Mary, University of London in 1991 funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC).

The centre is affiliated with laboratories at Queen Mary’s School of Medicine and Dentistry and is interested in bone and joint replacement, the orthopaedic and musculoskeletal systems, dental applications and tissue engineering.

The involvement of the IRC in the Centre for Materials Research (CMR) enables the cooperation with Physics and Materials.

Pankaj Vadgama, Prof., Ph.D., Director
Dan Bader, Prof., Asst. Director

Queen Mary, University of London
Mile End Road
London E1 4NS
United Kingdom
Phone: +44-20-7882-5285
Fax: +44-20-8983-1799

Current research areas include hard tissue replacement and biology, orthopaedic cell and tissue engineering, biomaterials in dentistry and for drug delivery, forming and processing technology as well as interfaces and sensors.

The scientists are investigating bioactive ceramics with a particular focus on biomechanics and mechanisms including hydroxyapatite structures and the effect of silicon on bioactivity. Other scientists of the centre are investigating antigen presentation at the bone-implant surface with major focus on the aspects of wear.

Orthopaedic cell and tissue engineers are looking into mesenschymal stem cells seeded on functionalised polymers (RGD). The researchers hope to develop a specific gel in order to improve the viability of cell constructs.

Another research aspect focuses on the development of a non-invasive vascular pulse wave velocity measuring system.