An assistant professor at the University of California (Riverside) has received a $175,000 grant to continue her work on biodegradable implants. Huinan Liu is focusing her work on magnesium-based alloys, which could enable better tissue regeneration and implant absorption into the body. Potential applications of the biodegradable implants include:

• Orthopaedic: Joints, ligaments, and rotator cuff repair; facial reconstruction, spinal injuries.
• Vascular: Stenting and grafting.

The two-year-grant, provided by the National Science Foundation, will also have local educational benefits. Liu will be working with UC Riverside's ALPHA center to develop educational events that discuss health and nanotechnology. In addition, Liu is putting together a tissue engineering class and will be mentoring students on the research.