Biomaterials
Biomaterials is a specialization within biomedical engineering that integrates engineering fundamentals in materials science with principles of cell biology, chemistry and physiology to aid in the design and development of materials used in the production of medical devices. When most people first think of biomaterials, implants such as surgical sutures, artificial hips or pacemakers generally comes to mind, but many other aspects are included in this diverse field of study:
- Biomaterials Design - Identify the physiological and engineering criteria that an implantable biomaterial must meet. Select the proper chemical composition to insure that the biomaterial imparts the desired mechanical properties and evokes the appropriate tissue response for the specified application.
- Mechanics of Biomaterials - Characterize the magnitude and nature of the mechanical properties of biomaterials. Predict and measure how the physical/structural properties of a biomaterial determine its mechanical properties.
- Biomaterials-Tissue Interactions - Examine the molecular, cellular and tissue responses to implanted medical devices. Design biomaterials with properties that induce the desired wound healing and tissue remodeling responses from the body.
Biomaterials research and development has improved our health care in many ways including:
- Design and manufacturing of replacements parts for damaged or diseased tissues and organs (e.g. artificial hip joints, kidney dialysis machines)
- Improved wound healing (e.g. sutures, wound dressings)
- Enhanced performance of medical devices (e.g. contact lenses, pacemakers)
- Correct functional abnormalities (e.g. spinal rods)
- Correct cosmetic problems (e.g. reconstructive mammoplasty, chin augmentation)
- Aid in clinical diagnostics (e.g. probes and catheters)
- Aid in clinical treatments (e.g. cardiac stents, drains and catheters)
- Design biodegradable scaffolds for tissue engineering (e.g. dermal analogs)
Last modified: July 26, 2006 13:34:04