Lara A. Estroff, Cornell University
Professor
Ithaca, New York
LAE37@cornell.edu
Office:
(607) 254-5256
Expert In
Bio/Research
Dr. Estroff's research focus is on the bio-inspired synthesis of organic-inorganic composites. Biological organisms create multi-functional and adaptive materials (e.g., bone, teeth, sea shells) from inexpensive, readily available building blocks using mild, energy-efficient, and non-toxic proces...
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Bio/Research
Dr. Estroff's research focus is on the bio-inspired synthesis of organic-inorganic composites. Biological organisms create multi-functional and adaptive materials (e.g., bone, teeth, sea shells) from inexpensive, readily available building blocks using mild, energy-efficient, and non-toxic processes. Accordingly, there is tremendous interest in mimicking and controlling biology both to create new synthetic materials and to maintain the health of naturally occurring tissues. The two major themes of Dr. Estroff's research are: 1) The synthesis of new organic and inorganic materials with altered morphologies and mechanical properties. The design of these materials is based upon biological examples of mineralization. 2) The development of in vitro models to answer questions about the mechanisms of biomineralization.
One primary research focus in the laboratory is the use of hydrogels to control the growth of crystals. A hydrogel, like Jell-O®, is a hydrated (usually > 95 w/v% water) organic matrix that does not exhibit flow (e.g., a vial containing a hydrogel can be turned upside down and the material will not flow). Hydrogels are associated with a number of biomineralizing systems, including the mother-of-pearl in mollusk shells and tooth enamel in mammals. An outstanding question is why organisms use hydrogels to control crystal growth. Dr. Estroff has established a research program to begin to address this question.
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One primary research focus in the laboratory is the use of hydrogels to control the growth of crystals. A hydrogel, like Jell-O®, is a hydrated (usually > 95 w/v% water) organic matrix that does not exhibit flow (e.g., a vial containing a hydrogel can be turned upside down and the material will not flow). Hydrogels are associated with a number of biomineralizing systems, including the mother-of-pearl in mollusk shells and tooth enamel in mammals. An outstanding question is why organisms use hydrogels to control crystal growth. Dr. Estroff has established a research program to begin to address this question.
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