Shashwat Bhakta (PhD student 2006-2009)
Characterisation and Evaluation of Glass Ceramics for applications in Implantology and Maxillofacial Surgery
My research comprises of characterisation and evaluation of compositions from the Fluorrichterite Group of glass ceramics that have been selectively modified to be osteoconductive. These compositions have promising mechanical properties and their potential applications include single unit bioceramic dental implants and custom prostheses for repairing maxillofacial bony defects. Currently there are no all bioceramic dental implant systems available and most maxillofacial reconstruction is done using autogenous bone which can cause significant co-morbidity. Therefore, the potential for an osteoconductive bioceramic material which has good mechanical properties is very good.
My work till date has included XRay Fluoresence Spectroscopy (XRF), XRay Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), Solubility measurement, Ionic Release Measurement using ICP and Ion Selective Electrodes. I am currently carrying our in-vitro biocompatibility assessment and osteoconductivity prediction using Simulated Body Fluid (SBF). This assessment includes Thin film XRay Diffraction (TF-XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and possibly Raman Spectroscopy along with SEM. This work will then lead onto in-vivo assessment.
Supervisor(s): Prof. Paul Hatton, Prof. Ian Reaney (Engineering Materials), Prof. Ric van Noort and Prof. Ian Brook