EDGAR BENJAMIN MONTUFAR JIMENEZ

Project: Integration of polymer, ceramic and metallic biodegradable materials with high technology processing methods for development of new medical devices and tissue engineering construct.

Host Institution: CEITEC, BUT BRNO
Country of Origin: Mexico

TOPIC OF MY RESEARCH:

My research focuses on the design, development and characterization of novel biodegradable materials for tissue engineering, drug delivery and regenerative medicine. My interests include calcium phosphates ceramics, biodegradable metals, polymeric hydrogels, additive manufacturing, cell printing, studies of the interactions between materials and living organisms and the regeneration of bones.

WHY I HAVE CHOSEN THE TOPIC:

I have chosen this topic because the idea of substitute and regenerate damaged parts of the human body thrills me. When I was a child I enjoyed science fiction programs where the hero was reconstructed with cybernetic parts to support extreme conditions. Besides, the idea of being a scientist, with a big laboratory, fully equipped with amazing instruments and develop a high performance material able to support all kind of conditions, has been in my mind since the same time.

USE OF THE PROJECT RESULTS IN PRACTICE:

The direct application of my research is the development of new medical products and therapies to treat current medical challenges. Furthermore, the knowledge generated can be used to develop fast, reliable and realistic methods to evaluate in vitro the risks of new biomaterials and therapies. This will significantly reduce the number of experimental animals, clinical trials and costs related to research, reducing the time required for a new and safe therapy to be available for the society at a lower price. The results could also support the policy and decision making concerning materials research.

WHY SOMOPRO:

I have recently been recruited as Senior Researcher at CEITEC-BUT, where I found the possibility to develop my research career in a competitive and highly exciting research environment. I applied for SoMoPro fellowship because provides me with the initial financial stability to start up my own research line, attain an independent research position and establish my career in the South Moravian region. The fellowship will help me to consolidate my current contractual position at CEITEC-BUT and cooperate with other partners in the region. 

You can read more about the project HERE.