Prof. Michael Bryant

University of Birmingham, UK
Professor Michael Bryant is Chair of Tribology and Corrosion Engineering at the School of Engineering. His research focuses on multi-scale aspects of tribology, materials characterisation (engineering and natural materials) and mechano-chemical interactions of materials interfaces used particularly for, but not limited to, biomedical applications.

Michael is currently developing research and teaching activities devoted to modern aspects of corrosion, tribology, surface science and applied biomechanics. This includes surface chemical effects in energy production, bio-tribology, bio-corrosion and methods of mitigation. His research is concerned with understanding and optimising the interactions occurring at interfaces commonly found in many applications. In particular, he is focussed on the development of advanced testing methodologies incorporating in-situ techniques to assess interfacial processes in real-time.

Michael has strong ties with industry, academic and regulatory (MHRA expert for tribology and corrosion) groups. A key aspect of Michaels work is translation of testing methodologies via ISO and ASTM. Michael’s research is currently funded as PI and Co-I through the EPSRC, Wellcome Trust, Royal Society, EU H2020 and Industry (> £20m). He is a current Researcher in Residence Fellow at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, Sheffield and was awarded the IMechE Duncan Dowson Prize and Sir Thomas Hawksley gold medal in 2018.

Talk title: Engineered surfaces for biotribological applications: a soft solution for a hard problem?
This talk will highlight some of the recent advanced in surface engineering at the University of Birmingham, focussing on the current and future needs for total joint replacement and technologies for earlier intervention. Attention will be paid to advances in PVD coatings for wear-corrosion application and the advanced preclinical testing that enables translation to clinic. Looking forward to emerging technology demands, recent development of entangled polymer surfaces that emulate the natural lubrication mechanisms of cartilage will be discussed. These bio-inspired solutions not only replicate the superlubricity found in healthy synovial joints but also promote the integration of the engineered surfaces with the body's natural systems. Such innovations are setting new standards in the biotribological performance of orthopedic devices, offering a 'soft' solution to the 'hard' problems of wear and corrosion in joint replacements.