Biomaterials Application: Implants

Biomaterials are a class of materials used for a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic applications inside the body cavity without severe side effects. Structural components derived from biomaterials can successfully mimic the function of tissue and integrate with a biological system. Biomaterials and their implants are widely used in a variety of applications, but this chapter will focus on those used in skeletal, skin, cardiac, neuronal, and ocular implants. Skeletal implants have been designed and used to enable locomotion for centuries. The first-generation implants were derived from metals primarily for load-bearing without any bioactivity. However, the generation implants focused on the use of a variety of biomaterials including polymers, bioceramics, and their composites, as well as bioactive factors to improve their performance and integration with host tissue. Skin implants are typically made of natural and synthetic polymers as well as their composites in the form of wound coverings, bioactive bandages, and scaffolds to deliver bioactive agents and cells to promote wound healing. Cardiac implants are designed to mimic the electroactive nature of the tissue and are derived from a decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) and conductive materials to enable electrical recording and stimulation. Similarly, neural tissue implants also focus on the use of electroactive scaffolds along with factors and cells to promote neural tissue and axonal regeneration. A wide variety of ocular implants, including contact lenses, keratoprostheses, and intraocular lenses have been developed and are mainly used for vision correction. The chapter will also provide an overview of biomaterial and implant applications in cosmetic surgeries, medical devices, and equipment. The chapter will also cover the more recent progress in biomaterials and implants that can truly mimic the function of specific tissues to improve healing outcomes.