We started with a new ARRS research project led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Peter Gregorčič.

Development of new biomaterials is of great importance for patients and has significant impact on European healthcare. Currently, the biomedical field relies on the use of nonsmart biomaterials that are based on the traditional categories of polymers, metals, ceramics, and their composites. They suffer limitations resulting in lack of biospecificity (e.g., biosensing) and reduced longevity that is important for medical implants. To develop new biomimetic and bioresponsive biomaterials, and thereby fill this gap, a deep understanding of tissue/cell-biomaterial interaction is still needed.

LaserInSMArT will clarify how the surface chemistry and topography influence the interaction between the surface and biological cells. This we will achieve by developing of smart, specifically tailored hybrid materials, which will be comprised of a combination of functionalized metallic surfaces and living cells. We will engineer the hybrid materials with the goal of combining bulk metals with desired mechanical properties and the autonomous, adaptive, and self-healing characteristics of living organisms. In this way, the developed materials will be able to detect external signals and respond via remodelling, implement patterning across different length scales, and organize inorganic compounds to create biotic-abiotic composites. We will seek the inspiration for developing hybrids in natural biological systems, such as biofilms, skeletal tissues, and shells, which exhibit great examples of combining non-living and living components.