Fabrication and characterization of natural/synthesized, micro-, and nanostructured materials for biomedical applications

Abstract Pearl shells, which are yielded as a waste during jewel pearl culture process at Uwajima sea in Ehime prefecture, Japan, are micro-/nanostructured composite materials alternatively consisting of organic and inorganic CaCO 3 layers with nanothicknesses. Micro-/nanosized pearl particles are candidates for Ca nutrients and hydroxyapatite (HAp) formation. Iron oxide nanocubes with surfactant are self-assembled into closed packing structures. The integrated structure of thermal-imprinted glass templates with functional nanoparticles becomes a potential candidate for new therapeutic nanostructures. Magnetic Y 3 Fe 5 O 12 and Fe 3 O 4 particles prepared by either break down or built-up processes were evaluated for thermal coagulation therapy. The dissolution behavior of micrometer-sized pearl powder was also evaluated in artificial stomach acid at 37°C. Future directions of micro-/nanostructured materials are proposed for biomedical applications.