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Characterizing biomaterial complexity

14 August 2009
L.A. Clifton, C. Neylon, A.E. Terry, I.C. Dicko, I.A. Diddens

Biomaterials research will always require a range of techniques to examine structure and function on a range of length scales and in a range of settings. Neutron scattering provides a unique way of disentangling the molecular and structural complexity of biomaterials through study of the constituent components. We examine how the technique has been used to study surface immobilized proteins and lipid films, floating lipid bilayers as mimics of in vitro planar membranes, and formation of fibres from solution by insects and spiders.

While it may be a challenge to define exactly what qualifies as a biomaterial, the one thing that links these materials together is complexity. Complexity of molecular structure, complexity of the organization and self organization of components, or complexity of behavior are all common features of the broad range of materials and devices that fall into the general category of biomaterials. Neutron scattering is a particularly good technique for investigating the structure and dynamics of one constituent of a complex system and it is therefore not surprising that it has played a significant role in the study and development of a range of bio- and bio-inspired materials.

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Biomaterials  •  Characterization