What are Biomaterials?

Biomaterials are defined as medical materials or devices that can be synthetic,

biological, or a hybrid of both. They function to regenerate or replace body parts or
tissues, or assist, augment, or restore bodily functions. Biomaterials are important
because they improve the quality of life, health, mobility, and functionality of an
individual. (1)

The development of biomaterials is not a new area of science, existing for around half a century,
it’s study is named Biomaterial Science. It is an exciting field of science, experiencing steady and
strong growth over its history with companies such as Smith and Nephew investing large
amounts of money in new products. Biomaterials science encompasses elements
of medicine, biology, chemistry and materials science.(2)

Biomaterials must be compatible with the body, and there are often issues
of biocompatibility which must be resolved before a product can be placed on the
market and used in a clinical setting. Because of this, biomaterials are usually
subjected to the same requirements of those suffered by new drug therapies. All
manufacturing companies are also required to ensure traceability of all of their
products so that if a defective product is discovered, others in the same batch may be
traced.

Subjects integral to biomaterials science

 Toxicology

A material should not be toxic, unless specifically engineered to be so (for example

“smart” drug delivery systems that target cancer cells and destroy them).

 Biocompatibility

Biocompatibility is difficult to measure, it is defined in terms of success at a specific

task.

 Functional Tissue structure and pathobiology

Understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the action site is essential for a
biomaterial to be effective.

 Healing
 Healing is an essential consideration when using biomaterials. The body may
experience what is known as a foreign-body reaction after implementation so
immuno-suppression may be required.

 Dependence on Specific anatomical sites of implantation

It is important, during design, to ensure that the implement will fit complimentary
and have a beneficial effect with the specific anatomical area of action.

 Mechanical and Performance requirements

Biomaterials that have a mechanical operation must perform to certain standards and
be able to cope with pressures. It is therefore essential that all biomaterials are well
designed and are tested. Biomaterials that are used with a mecanical application, such
as hip implants, are usually designed using CAD (Computer Aided Design)which allows
all of the directional stresses to be calculated, ensuring maximum product life.

 Industrial involvement

Companies and researchers push the boundaries and development of science in

general, and biomaterials is no exception.

 Ethics

Ethical considerations are paramount – as are legal considerations and compliance

with the law.

 Regulation

As mentioned above, regulation and records are required to be kept by the product
manufacturer for much longer than the product life.

The history of biomaterials is rich and spans thousands of years, with advancements
influenced by scientific discoveries, technological innovations, and medical needs. Here
is a brief overview of the historical milestones in the development of biomaterials:

1. Ancient and Medieval Periods:

 - Bone and Ivory: Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans,
used natural materials like bone and ivory for medical and dental applications. These
materials were employed in prosthetics and dental implants.(3)

2. 19th Century:

- Metal Implants: In the 19th century, materials such as gold, silver, and alloys were
used for dental crowns and bridges. The development of metal alloys laid the
foundation for the use of metals in orthopedic implants later on.

3. 20th Century:

- Polymers:The mid-20th century saw significant advancements with the introduction

of polymers, such as acrylics and silicones, in medical applications. These materials
were used in contact lenses, heart valves, and soft tissue implants.

- Stainless Steel and Titanium:** Stainless steel and titanium became prominent
materials for orthopedic implants, joint replacements, and dental implants due to their
strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility.

- Bioglass:In the 1960s, Dr. Larry Hench developed bioglass, a bioactive glass that
forms a bond with living tissues. Bioglass laid the groundwork for the development of
bioactive ceramics for bone grafts and dental applications.

4. Late 20th Century:

- Polymer Blends: Advances in polymer science led to the development of polymer

blends with enhanced mechanical properties and biocompatibility. These materials
found applications in cardiovascular devices and drug delivery systems.

- Tissue Engineering: The concept of tissue engineering emerged in the late 20th
century, combining cells, scaffolds, and bioactive molecules to create functional
tissues. This field has since grown, with biomaterials playing a key role in regenerative
medicine.

5. 21st Century:

- Nanotechnology: The 21st century has witnessed the integration of nanotechnology

into biomaterials, enabling precise control over material properties at the nanoscale.
Nanomaterials have applications in drug delivery, imaging, and diagnostics.

- 3D Printing: The development of 3D printing technologies has revolutionized the

fabrication of biomaterial-based structures. Customized implants, tissue scaffolds, and
even organs can be created using 3D printing techniques.

- Smart Biomaterials:Materials with responsive properties to environmental stimuli,

such as pH or temperature changes, have been developed. These smart biomaterials
have potential applications in drug delivery and diagnostics.

The history of biomaterials reflects a continuous quest for materials that can
seamlessly integrate with the human body, providing solutions to medical challenges
and improving the quality of healthcare. Ongoing research and innovation in
biomaterials continue to drive advancements in medical technology and contribute to
the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-biomaterial-definition-examples.html (1)

https://www.bionity.com/en/encyclopedia/Biomaterial.html (2)

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2022.864016/full (3)