Anson Joo Ong, Ph.D.

The USAA Foundation Distinguished Professorship

Professor, Biomedical Engineering

Anson Joo Ong’s primary research focus is on modifications and characterization of implant biomaterial surfaces for dental and orthopedic applications, tissue engineered bioceramic scaffolds, protein-biomaterials interactions, and bone-biomaterials interactions. 

In the area of implant surfaces, one of his research goals is to better understand the biological basis for successful orthopedic and dental implant therapy by elucidating the phenomena that govern osseointegration.  

Ong’s research laboratory at UTSA is one of a few in the nation that focuses on the use of calcium phosphates ceramics, such as hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate, to produce trabecular bone-like scaffolds for orthopedic and dental applications. 

Additionally, his laboratory evaluates the effects of external stimuli on bone formation and vascularization within the scaffolds in vitro and in vivo. Aside from translating the technology to the clinics, this research also provides a basic understanding of how tissues regenerate on 3-D scaffolds in order to persuade the body to heal or repair.