Biomaterial
Biomaterial
Biomaterial (/baɪoʊməˈtɪəriəl/) is a substance that has been engineered to interact with biological systems for a medical purpose - either a therapeutic (treat, augment, repair or replace a tissue function of the body) or a diagnostic one.
Etymology
The term "biomaterial" is derived from the Greek words 'bios' meaning life and 'materia' meaning material or matter.
Definition
A biomaterial is any substance or combination of substances, other than drugs, synthetic or natural in origin, which can be used for any period of time, which augments or replaces partially or totally any tissue, organ or function of the body, in order to maintain or improve the quality of life of the individual.
Types of Biomaterials
Biomaterials can be derived either from nature or synthesized in the laboratory using a variety of chemical approaches utilizing metallic components, polymers, ceramics or composite materials. They are often used and/or adapted for a medical application, and thus comprise whole or part of a living structure or biomedical device which performs, augments, or replaces a natural function.
Applications
Biomaterials are used in:
- Joint Replacements
- Bone Plates
- Bone Cement
- Artificial Ligaments and Tendons
- Dental Implants for tooth fixation
- Blood Vessel Prostheses
- Heart Valves
- Skin Repair Devices (artificial tissue)
- Cochlear Replacements
- Contact Lenses
- Breast Implants
- Drug Delivery Mechanisms
- Sustainable Materials
- Vascular Grafts
- Stents
- Nerve Conduits
- Surgical Sutures, Clips, and Wires
- Pacemakers
Related Terms
- Biocompatibility
- Bioactive Material
- Biodegradable Material
- Biomimetic Material
- Bioresorbable Material
- Biomedical Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Biomaterial
- Wikipedia's article - Biomaterial
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