Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine

Biomaterials In Medicine

Biomaterials are materials utilized in medicine and dentistry that are intended to return in touch with living tissue. The familiar tooth filling is where most humans first encounter biomaterials but increasingly many of us now believe more critical implants like joint replacements, particularly hips, and cardiovascular repairs. Undoubtedly, these biomaterial implants improve the quality of life for an increasing number of people each year, not just for an ageing population with greater life expectancy, but for younger people with heart problems, injuries or inherited diseases.Biomaterials have now been successfully developed and used for more than a generation. First-generation biomaterials largely trusted being inert, or relatively inert, with minimal tissue response. For these materials a minimal fibrous layer forms between the biomaterials and therefore the body when the fabric isn't totally accepted by the body. Typically, the purpose of a biomaterial is to replace a missing piece of a body part, by replicating the structure that is no longer there, or to enhance function. Think of implants, such as hip joints, and heart valves, skin transplants, vascular grafts, and stents. Biomaterials are also used in less intrusive contexts, such as in contact lenses and wound care.Although the biomaterial concept has a futuristic nuance to it, the desire and urge to mend a broken body is ancient. Attempts to replace or fix damaged or diseased body parts has existed for thousands of years. There are recordings of dental implants already from the Mayan era, where the tooth implants were made of nacre from seashells.    

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