Biomaterials

A biomaterial is a biocompatible material that interacts with biological systems and is used to create prostheses, artificial organs, rehabilitation devices, or to replace natural body tissues. A biomaterial comprises whole or part of a living structure or biomedical device which performs, augments, or replaces a natural function. As such, they are involved in various fields including medicine, biology, chemistry, tissue engineering and materials science.

Biomaterial products, which can be organic or synthetic and produced in a lab using ceramics or metallic components, are commonly used for medical purposes, including joint replacements, bone grafts, dental applications, surgery, and drug delivery.

For example, orthopedic biomaterial products are implanted into or near a bone fracture to facilitate healing or to compensate for a lack or loss of bone tissue. Biomaterials are expected to be biocompatible and not cause inflammation or rejection. Biomaterials used in orthopedic surgery include autografts, allografts, xenografts, ceramics, polymers, bone growth factors and synovial fluid substitutes. Among the prominent applications for orthopedic biomaterials are surface coatings for hip prostheses, bone cements, bone defect fillers, and fracture fixation plates.