Unit 5

Biomaterials
There are 2 common definitions of biomaterials:
 A material derived from, or produced by, biological organisms
These are also called biologically derived materials.
 A material used for a biological purpose such as a biomedical
application like treating an injury or growing biological cells.
 Biomaterials

 These may be synthetic or natural

 Engineered to interact to interact with

biological systems for a medical purpose

 For a therapeutic or a diagnostic use

Biomaterials
 Physical and Chemical Property of Biomaterials
 Strength: The ability of a biomaterial to withstand mechanical forces
without breaking is crucial, especially for load-bearing applications like
orthopedic implants.
 Elasticity: The capacity of a material to return to its original shape
after deformation is important for materials that are expected to
undergo stress.
 Hardness: Resistance to surface deformation.
 Toughness: The ability to absorb energy and plastically deform
without fracturing.
 Conti----

 Fatigue Resistance: The ability to withstand repeated stress

without failure is critical for long-term implants.
 Wear Resistance: Important for the durability of moving joints like
hip replacements.
 Corrosion Resistance: Resistance to degradation due to chemical
reactions, particularly in the corrosive environment of the body.
 Surface Chemistry: Influences interactions with biological tissues,
including protein adsorption, cell adhesion, and the immune
response.
 Biological Property

 Biocompatibility: The ability of a material to perform with an

appropriate host response in a specific application. This
encompasses not causing toxicity or immune rejection.
 Bioactivity: Some biomaterials are designed to elicit specific
cellular responses at the molecular level.
 Degradability: Materials designed to degrade safely in the
body over time, which is especially important for scaffolds in
tissue engineering that are intended to be replaced by new
tissue.
Mechanical Properties:

Modulus of Elasticity (Young’s Modulus): It measures the stiffness of a

biomaterial, which should ideally match that of the replaced tissue to prevent
stress shielding.
Viscoelasticity: Describes the time-dependent elastic and viscous behavior of
biomaterials under deformation.
Thermal Properties:

Thermal Stability: The ability to retain properties over a range of temperatures.

Thermal Conductivity: Important for materials that need to dissipate heat, such as in electronic
implants.
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: Should be matched with that of surrounding tissues to minimi
stress due to temperature changes.
Electrical Properties:

Conductivity: Important for materials used in electrical stimulation or recording of biological

signals.
Dielectric Strength: The ability of an insulating material to withstand electric fields without
breaking down.
Optical Properties:

Transparency: Important for applications like intraocular lenses.

Refractive Index: Needs consideration in materials used in contact lenses and other optical
applications.
Surface Properties:

Roughness: Can influence cell attachment and proliferation.

Wettability: Influences protein adsorption and cell adhesion.
Surface Energy: Related to wettability and is important in determining the interaction of
the biomaterial with the biological environment
Manufacturability and Processability:

Moldability: The ease with which materials can be shaped into the desired form.
Sterilizability: The ability to be effectively sterilized without compromising material
properties.
Immunogenicity:

Non-immunogenic: The material should not provoke an immune response.

Non-thrombogenic: The material should not induce clotting when in contact with
blood.
 Types of Biomaterials
Metals: Metal in Knee replacement

 Metals are used as biomaterials due to their excellent

thermal conductivity and mechanical properties.
 Metallic biomaterials are used for load bearing
applications and must have sufficient fatigue strength
to endure the rigors of daily activity.
 metals are widely used in orthopedic implants, dental
implants, stents, and pacemakers.
 Common metals and alloys used include stainless steel,
cobalt-chrome alloys, titanium and its alloys, and more
recently, shape memory alloys like Nitinol.
 Types of Biomaterials

Ceramics: Ceramic Tooth

 These materials are inorganic, non-

metallic solids that are often used
in bone grafts and dental implants due to
their biocompatibility and similarity to bone
mineral.
 Examples include alumina, zirconia, and
bioactive glass.
 Types of Biomaterials Polymer in Sutures

Polymers:
Polymers are large molecules composed of
repeating subunits.
Natural polymer : collagen or hyaluronic acid
Synthetic polymer :polyethylene, polylactic
poly(glycolic acid), poly(lactide-co-
acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and their glycolic acid), poly(lactic acid),
copolymers (PLGA). polycaprolactone poly(4-
hydroxybutyrate) and polydioxanone
They are used in a variety of applications
such as in soft tissue implants, drug delivery
systems, and sutures.
.
 Types of Biomaterials
Composites:
 These are engineered materials made from
two or more constituent materials with
significantly different physical or chemical Amalgam
properties.
Composite
 They aim to combine the best properties of
the included materials.
Composite fillings are tooth
 Composite fillings are tooth coloured and coloured and are made from
powdered glass quartz, silica or
are made from powdered glass quartz, silica other ceramic particles added to a
or other ceramic particles added to a resin resin base.
base.
Doctors, researchers, and bioengineers use biomaterials for the following broad
range of applications:

•Medical implants, including heart valves, stents, and grafts; artificial

joints, ligaments, and tendons; hearing loss implants; dental implants; and
devices that stimulate nerves.
•Methods to promote healing of human tissues, including sutures, clips,
and staples for wound closure, and dissolvable dressings.
•Regenerated human tissues, using a combination of biomaterial
supports or scaffolds, cells, and bioactive molecules. Examples include a
bone regenerating hydrogel
•Drug-delivery systems that carry and/or apply drugs to a disease target.
Examples include drug-coated vascular stents and implantable
chemotherapy wafers for cancer patients.
 Biomaterials used in Medical Devices
Stents  Stents are cylindrical in shape, and they are made from a
very fine metal mesh.
 The most common stents are around 15–20mm in length,
but can vary from 8–48mm, and are 2–5mm in diameter.
 It is made from metal such as stainless steel, platinum-
chromium or cobalt-chromium.
 It may also have a coating called a polymer and, in most
cases, a coating of a drug to stop scar tissue growing
between the gaps in the stent (as this could cause re-
narrowing).
 These are called ‘drug-eluting stents’ and are used around
95 per cent of the time because the long-term results are
much better
Cochlear Implant Biomaterials used in Medical Devices
 A cochlear implant uses a sound processor that's worn behind
the ear.
 A transmitter sends sound signals to a receiver and stimulator
implanted under the skin.
 They stimulate the auditory nerve with electrodes that have
been threaded into the cochlea.
 Some types of cochlear implants have one outside unit that
has a speech processor, microphone and transmitter combined
(lower left). Others have these as separate outside parts (upper
left and on right).

Biomaterial In Cochlear Implant

The use of cochlear implants involves the following biomaterials

 Platinum is used as the electrode contact

 Wires between the receiver/stimulator and the electrode
contacts: Teflon coated platinum/iridium 90/10 is used
 Biomaterials used in Medical Devices
 Dental implants are medical devices
surgically implanted into the jaw to
Dental Implants
restore a person's ability to chew or their
appearance.

 They provide support for artificial (fake)

teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or
dentures.

 The most commonly used biomaterials for

dental implants are metals and their alloys
titanium and Ti-6A-14V and Co-Cr-Mo
 Smart Wound Dressing

 smart wound dressing that can deliver oxygen and

blood-vessel-promoting biochemical factors to
treat diabetic foot ulcers.

 Combining electronics, wound healing ,

microfabrication, biomaterials, and drug delivery,
A Smart wound dressing is thin
the dressing integrates sensors and actuators in
and flexible with an array of pH close contact to skin.
sensors, thermo-responsive
drug carriers, and an onboard
 It is expected to promote healing while reducing
controller. Source: Khademhosseini lab,
Harvard-MIT. unnecessary dressing replacements and visits to
medical facilities.
 Hydrogel

Hydrogel sealants may allow pain-free dressing changes for

patients with burns.

Hydrogel sealants may allow

pain-free dressing changes for
patients with burns.

A hydrogel for burns dissolves as it promotes wound healing.

Source: Grinstaff lab, Boston University
 Biomimetics

Biomimetics is the study of nature and natural

phenomena to understand the principles of
underlying mechanisms, to obtain ideas from
nature, and to apply concepts that may benefit
science, engineering, and medicine.
Biomimetics is centered on the idea that there is no model better
than nature for developing something new and has produced
excellent results in productivity and function.
 History
 Schmitt was the first to coin the term biomimetics
in 1957

 Jack E Steele of NASA, who coined the word bionics

in 1960, was also the first to use the word
biomimetics in a paper in 1969

 Addition of the term to the dictionary in 1974.

 Key aspects of Biomimetics
1.Inspiration from Nature: Biomimetics involves studying natural designs
and processes to inspire technological innovations.
2.Sustainability: One of the core principles is sustainability, as natural
processes tend to be energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
3.Diverse Applications: The applications of biomimetics are vast and varied,
including architecture, material science, robotics, and medicine.
4.Interdisciplinary Approach: Biomimetics requires collaboration across
biology, engineering, physics, and chemistry to understand and apply nature's
designs effectively.
5.Problem-Solving: It’s about looking to nature to solve complex human
problems
Steps of Biomimetics
1.Identifying a Challenge: The first step is to define a problem or challenge
that needs a solution. This could be anything from designing energy-efficient
buildings to creating new materials with unique properties.
2.Observing Nature: Researchers observe and study natural systems,
organisms, and processes that have evolved over millions of years. The aim is
to understand how nature solves similar problems.
3.Abstracting Biological Principles: The key here is to abstract the
underlying principles or strategies from the natural world, rather than directly
copying biological forms. This involves understanding the mechanisms,
processes, and materials used by organisms.
4.Applying Biological Principles: These abstracted principles are then
translated into human-made systems and technologies. This could involve
designing products, processes, or systems that mimic natural processes.
5.Testing and Analysis: The prototype undergoes rigorous testing to evaluate
its effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability. This stage often requires
adjustments and improvements based on the test results.
6.Implementation and Commercialization: If the biomimetic solution proves
successful, it moves towards implementation and, potentially,
commercialization. This can involve scaling up production, navigating
regulatory approvals, and marketing the product or technology.
7. Monitoring and Improvement: Finally, even after a biomimetic solution is
implemented, continuous monitoring and iterative improvements are essential.
This ensures that the solution remains effective and sustainable over time.
 Biomimetics in automobiles

A. inspired by the box fish

B. tree growth patterns C.
skeleton structure of
boxfish adapted for
designing of vehicles

DaimlerChrysler’s prototype bionic car

 Biomimetics in automobiles
Bullet train
The shape of the kingfisher's beak
and head allowed it to fly at high
speeds with minimal collision and
noise.
When translated to a train,
engineers realized it could break the
air bubble that was created in front
of the bullet train to minimize
noise
Biomimetics in Architecture

 Eastgate Centre, the world’s first

all-natural cooling structure, in
Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare .
 This building has holes on the roof
and the lower floors to allow
natural ventilation, similar to what
a termite’s nest does.
 Hot air exits through the roof, and
the influx of the cold air from the
bottom ventilates the building.
 Hence, the energy consumption
rate of this building is <10%, and
an internal temperature of 24°C is
maintained even when the external
temperature is higher than 38°C
 Micro projections on Shark skin
 Great White Sharks are stealthy hunters
and the secret is in their skin.
 Shark skin is covered by tiny flat V-shaped
scales, called dermal denticles, that are
more like teeth than fish scales.
 These denticles decrease drag and
turbulence, allowing the shark to swim
faster and more quietly.
 Olympian swimsuit designers created a Curtesy Trevor Sewell/Electron Microscope Unit, University of
Cape Town)

fabric that mimics the exact proportion of

the shark’s denticles, hugely improving a
swimmer’s speed mostly for open water
swimmers
 Biomimetics in Medical Application

 Osseointegration is the scientific

term for bone ingrowth into a metal
implant.
 An artificial implant is permanently,
surgically anchored and integrated
into bone, which then grows into the
implant.
 Osseointegration is most commonly
used in dental implants and joint
replacement surgery.
 Bone Tissue Engineering

Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that
uses transplanted bone to repair and
rebuild diseased or damaged bones.
Bone is removed from the other body part
and used to grafting in damaged bone

Disadvantage : Regeneration in the donated area, Donor site Injury

Solution could be “Artificial Bone”

Which can be Achieved by

Bone Tissue Engineering

BONE TISSUE ENGINEERING
Bone Tissue Engineering requires the
collaborative efforts of
 Scientists
 Engineers
 surgeons
to achieve this ultimate goal of creating
bone grafts that enhance bone repair and
regeneration
 Key Players in Bone Tissue Engineering
(1) Biocompatible scaffold – for the attachment of
cells to grow into osteo cells
(2) Osteo-genic cells -cells differentiate to bone
cells
(3)Signaling molecule – growth factors to direct
the cells into osteo genic cells
(4)sufficient vascularization -to meet the growing
tissue nutrient supply and clearance needs
 Biocompatible scaffold

Scaffold is a base material in which Osteo-

genic cells and growth factors are embedded
to construct a substitute tissue.
Common Biomaterial Used as Scaffold
 Natural Polymer as Scaffold for Bone Regeneration
 Natural polymers have attractive properties for the
construction of 3D scaffolds, such as biocompatibility and
biodegradability.
 porosity, charge, and mechanical strength can be controlled by
changing polymer concentrations, polymerization conditions,
or by introducing various functional groups.
 Bioactivity can also be controlled by the addition of chemicals,
proteins, peptides, and cells.
 The most commonly studied natural polymers for the purpose
of bone engineering are collagen/gelatin, chitosan, silk,
alginate, hyaluronic acid, and peptides
 Current Research In Bone Tissue Engineering
Bone tissue engineering practices have not proceeded to clinical practice due to several limitations or
challenges

•Structural and Functional Complexity: Bone is a highly complex tissue, both structurally and functionally.
Replicating its hierarchical organization, mechanical properties, and biological functions is extremely
challenging.
•Vascularization: Creating engineered bone with adequate blood vessel networks (vascularization) to supply
nutrients and remove waste is a major hurdle. Poor vascularization can lead to cell death and graft failure
•Pore Size and Porosity: Designing scaffolds with optimal pore size and porosity for cell growth and nutrient
flow, while maintaining mechanical integrity, is challenging.
•Cell Survival: Ensuring the survival and functional integration of transplanted cells within the host tissue,
especially in large bone defects, is a critical challenge. Delivery Systems: Developing delivery systems that can
provide sustained, localized release of growth factors at therapeutic levels without causing adverse reactions is
complex.
•Dosage and Timing: Determining the appropriate dosage and timing for growth factor release to mimic natural
bone healing processes requires more research.
•Affordability: Making bone tissue engineering solutions affordable and accessible to a wide range of patients
remains a significant challenge.