Molecular biology techniques

Abstract

In order to better facilitate wound healing and osseointegration following implant placement, an understanding of the inter-relationship between the molecular events involved in these processes is critical. A wide range of techniques commonly grouped under the banner of =molecular biology' are now available to the researcher, allowing interrogation of the three key molecular processes that ultimately lead to clinically observed osseointegration i.e. DNA, RNA and protein expression. This understanding may then be translated into clinical practice by providing leads for further implant development based on a sound understanding of the osseointegration process at the molecular level. This chapter therefore aims to give the reader a brief overview of the various molecular biology techniques that are used extensively in the research laboratory today with specific examples of how they are being applied to the examination of the biological processes regulating osseointegration. © 2012 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.