MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SEMINAR Polylactide-Methacrylate Polymer Systems for Bone Repair by Michael Laird Johnston Ph.D. Prelim Part I Exam Co-Advisors: Prof. J. Wilker Prof. J. Blendell ABSTRACT Bone defect and fracture repair using specialized adhesives will have clinical benefits, resulting in lower social costs to healthcare, but more importantly, generate greater quality of life for the patient. Bone adhesives are an attractive method over traditional reparative approaches (sutures, plates, or staples) as the later damages healthy tissue or potentially induce microcracks during fixation. Adhesives are also particularly useful, for small bone fragments from highly comminuted fracture as it is difficult to hold these fragments in place during reconstructive surgery. Research in surgical adhesives is in its infancy, and a system tailored specifically for the use on bone has yet to be determined. This presentation reviews the use of polylactide-methacrylate as a potential candidate for bone adhesives to treat bone fracture or defects. Additionally, future work to increase adhesion between bone surfaces, promote the fracture healing cascade, and quantify the mechanical stability of the adhesive will be proposed. Date: Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012 Time: 1:30 P.M. Place: ARMS 3115 Lisa Stacey Secretary/Development Assistant Purdue University School of Materials Engineering 765/494-4100