Paul Johan Høl

My research activities focus on biomaterials, i.e. artificial materials used in reconstructive surgery, which may have huge clinical impact in terms of usage and diversity. The associated research topics span from applied research to basic. The activities are designed to involve biomechanical, biological and chemical effects of artificial materials used on humans. The activity is based on clinical aspects, and is therefore translational; from clinic to laboratory. The biomaterial laboratory (Biomatlab) has since 2009 been situated in the laboratory facilities at Haukeland University Hospital and Department of Clinical Medicine, UiB, which provides a unique opportunity to connect basic research with clinical activities in the field of biomaterials.
There is a strong collaboration with the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register in Bergen, which represents an important body for identifying longevity of joint replacements. 
I have extensive experience in clinical and biological issues, which started with the analysis of trace metals in lung tissue in the Master thesis and continued with my PhD work on the chemical analysis of a large clinical material taken from patients with dental amalgam fillings.
The activities that were started in the postdoctoral period, was further developed under my stipend from Bergen Medical Research Foundation (2010-2013). My project deals with the clinical and biological effects of implants that remain in the body. This is performed by characterize the degradation products in tissue and blood from patients with different types of implants, and correlate with clinical analysis, such as effects on bone cells and immune system.
The ongoing and planned activities will broaden the knowledge of biological and clinical consequences of artificial biomaterials, which can be used in developing new and safer materials.