Julietta V. RAU
Julietta V. Rau, PhD, is currently Director of Research and Head of the Laboratory and Research Group at the Institute of the Structure of Matter (ISM) of the Italian National Research Council (CNR).
She is the author of more than 250 articles published in international peer-reviewed journals, about 180 conference presentations, and over 60 invited, plenary, and keynote lectures at international conferences. She is also co-inventor of three international patents. Her current H-index is 49, with around 7,000 citations according to Google Scholar.
Dr. Rau has received several international awards in recognition of her scientific achievements. She is Chair and organizer of the biennial BioMaH – Biomaterials and Novel Technologies for Healthcare International Conference (https://biomah2026.it) and serves as a member of the International Scientific Committees of several conferences in the fields of Materials Science, Nanoscience, Biomaterials, and Medical Devices. She is the Italian Ambassador for the European Orthopaedic Research Society and has been awarded Honorary Membership by the Romanian Society for Biomaterials. Dr. Rau is currently Associate Editor of the journals Bioactive Materials and Frontiers in Biomaterials Science and serves on the Editorial Boards of Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Scientific Reports, Coatings, In Vitro Models, Journal of Advanced Drug Delivery Research, Drug Design, Development and Therapy, EC Orthopaedics, and The Open Biomedical Engineering Journal. Her current research interests focus on innovative biomaterials for regenerative medicine, orthopaedics, and dentistry, including calcium phosphates and bioactive glasses for tissue engineering applications. She is also developing antibacterial surfaces for orthopaedic and dental implants. In addition, her research activities involve novel imaging approaches for cancer diagnostics, as well as biodegradable alloys and coatings.
Abstract
Emerging Materials in Biomedicine: Antimicrobial, Bioactive, and Implantable Solutions
Julietta V. Rau
Istituto di Struttura della Materia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, ISM-CNR, Rome, Italy
giulietta.rau@ism.cnr.it
The development of advanced biomaterials is transforming modern biomedicine by enabling innovative solutions for tissue regeneration, infection prevention, and implantable medical devices. In recent years, increasing attention has been devoted to multifunctional biomaterials capable not only of supporting tissue repair, but also of actively interacting with the biological environment through bioactive and antimicrobial properties. These emerging materials are opening new perspectives in orthopaedics, dentistry, regenerative medicine, and otherbiomedical applications.
This keynote will present recent advances in the design and characterization of bioactive and antimicrobial biomaterials, with particular focus on calcium phosphates, bioactive glasses, functional coatings, and biodegradable materials for implantable applications. Special attention will be dedicated to the development of surfaces able to prevent bacterial colonization and biofilm formation, one of the major challenges associated with orthopaedicand dental implants. Strategies combining bioactivity, surface functionalization, and antibacterial performance are increasingly contributing to safer and more effective biomedical devices.
The lecture will also discuss the role of nanostructured materials and innovative surface engineering approaches in improving biological response and tissue integration. In addition, emerging research on biodegradable alloys and multifunctional coatings emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of current biomaterials science.
By integrating materials science, nanotechnology, biology, and clinical needs, next-generation biomaterials are moving toward smart and adaptive systems capable of promoting healing while reducing complications and infections. These advances represent a key step toward more personalized, sustainable, and effective biomedical technologies for future healthcare applications.
BiomMedD' 2026
All rights reserved © copyright by biommedd.ro