Papers by Author: Montserrat Colilla

Abstract: Dendrimers are a relatively new class of molecules that display a variety of potentially useful architecture-induced properties. In this chapter, we firstly present a general description of this interesting class of macromolecules, making special emphasis in their current biomedical applications. The combination of dendrimers with ceramics, traditionally used in the biomedical field, provides synergistic features and functions to the resulting hybrid materials. After the dendrimers introduction, an overall description of mesoporous silicas, iron oxide nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes bioceramics, is presented. Finally, recent research examples of dendrimer-functionalized ceramics, both from the synthetic and biomedical applicative points of view, are reviewed.

Abstract: Much research effort has been committed to the development of bioceramics that promote bone tissue regeneration and this is still one of the greatest challenges for the scientific community. In this sense, silica-based ordered mesoporous materials constitute a new generation of bioceramics that combine the intrinsic properties of bioceramics, such as bioactive behavior, together with the capability to host and controlled release biologically active molecules that promote new bone formation, i.e. drug delivery systems. In this chapter, the recent advances aimed at tailoring ordered mesoporous materials for biomedical applications will be tackled and critically discussed.