MSE 204A
Introduction to Biomaterials
Module 1:
Introduction to Biomaterials
Instructor: Vivek Verma
Course Policy
Classes: TF 12:00 – 1:00 PM, L3
Grading Policy: Grading will be relative. There is no upper/lower limit how
many will get A, B, C, D, or F. Granular grading will be followed. Weightage of
examinations is as follows:
• 30% for Mid semester examination
• 45% for End Semester
• 25% Reading assignments, quizzes (surprise) and assignments
Cut-off for ‘F’ grade is 40%
No makeup examinations for mid semester examination
Office Hours: 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM Wednesday
Attendance: Mandatory. Student with poor attendance will be deregistered by
the instructor. Attendance is necessary but not sufficient to clear the course.
Instructor: Vivek Verma
Course Policy (continued)
Misconduct/ cheating/ plagiarism:
Misconduct: Will be dealt swiftly and strictly
Copying or helping in copying will have following
consequences:
• Will lead to ‘F’ grade and reporting to SSAC
• Quizzes: lead to zero in that quiz. Depending on
the seriousness, further action (see above) may
be taken.
• Assignments: same as for quizzes. Copy-pasting
(plagiarism) in assignments will also be treated
as copying in quizzes and will be dealt as above.
Instructor: Vivek Verma
What is Biomaterial?
• Synthetic and natural materials used in applications
where they contact biological systems
– Implants
– Devices
• Why biomaterials?
– Prosthesis
• Cardiovascular, orthopedic, dental, opthalmological
– Sutures
– Advanced drug delivery
• Highly Interdisciplinary!
– Science
– Engineering
– Medicine
Instructor: Vivek Verma
Instructor: Vivek Verma
Biomaterials
• So, what is common:
– The common thread in biomaterials is the physical
and chemical interactions between complex
biological systems and synthetic or modified
natural materials
Instructor: Vivek Verma
Biomaterials
• Rarely used as isolated material
– Commonly integrated into devices or implants
• Ex: Titanium
– Chemically pure titanium can be called biomaterial
– Ti machined and conjunction with UHMWPE*
becomes device (hip prosthesis)
• We must also consider how this device impacts
patient (subject) and vice versa
– Success or failure of device
• Biomaterial always considered in context of its
final fabricated and sterilized form
Ultra High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene
*
Instructor: Vivek Verma
Definitions
• Biomaterial
– A biomaterial is a nonviable material used in a medical
device, intended to interact with biological systems
• Biocompatibility
– Biocompatibility is the ability of a material to perform
with an appropriate host response in a specific
application
• Biomaterials science is the study of materials with
special reference to their interaction with the
biological environment
• Biointerface: Interaction of materials with
physiological environment
Instructor: Vivek Verma
Instructor: Vivek Verma
Evolution of Biomaterials Field
1. Bioinert
– Suitable combination of functional properties to match those of
replaced tissue without deleterious response by the host
– Elicit minimal response from the host tissue
2. Bioactive
– Intended to elicit a controlled reaction with the tissues into which
they were implanted in order to induce desired therapeutic effect
• Controlled localized drug release (drug eluting stents, active protein-based
drugs)
• Bioresorbable with tailored degradation rates (PGA sutures)
3. Tissue engineering, regenerative medicine
– Use living cells to aid tissue formation or regeneration
• Scaffold
– Supporting and stimulating regeneration of functional tissue
• Beyond palliative – ease of symptom without curing
Instructor: Vivek Verma
Evolution of Biomaterials Field
• Tissue engineering is a broad term describing
a set of tools at the interface of biomaterials
and engineering sciences that use living cells
to aid tissue formation or regeneration, and
therefore produce therapeutic or diagnostic
benefit
Instructor: Vivek Verma
Characteristic of Biomaterials Science
• Multidisciplinary
Instructor: Vivek Verma
Instructor: Vivek Verma
Characteristic of Biomaterials Science
• Multidisciplinary
• Diverse materials are used
Instructor: Vivek Verma
Instructor: Vivek Verma
Characteristic of Biomaterials Science
• Multidisciplinary
• Diverse materials are used
• Clinical need driven
• Substantial world market
• Risk benefit issues
Instructor: Vivek Verma
