Lecture 1

Question 1

Biomaterial definition

Answer 1

A material designed to interface with biological systems with the aim of evaluating, treating, increasing or replacing a tissue, organ or bodily function.

Question 2

There are no “biomaterials” by ___
The concept of “biomaterial” is defined by the ___
Biomaterials are most generally defined in the ___

Answer 2

• nature.
• application.
• context of a biomedical use (therapeutic, diagnostic, research).

Question 3

Four eras of biomaterials

Answer 3

1. Biomaterials pre-history 2. The surgeon/physician hero 3. Designed biomaterials 4. Contemporary era of biologists and bioengineers

Question 4

3 main classes of applications for biomaterials

Answer 4

• Therapeutics
• Diagnostic
• Biomedical research

Question 5

What is (often) the final aim of a biomaterial?

Answer 5

Translation to clinical use

Question 6

Metals

Answer 6

Solids formed by positively charged ions assembled in a “sea” of delocalized electrons. High electrical & thermal conductivity, malleable. Usually crystalline.

Question 7

Ceramics

Answer 7

Inorganic, non-metallic materials made from compounds of a metal and a non metal. (ionic interactions mostly). Low eletrical & thermal conduction. High stiffness, strength, brittleness.

Question 8

Polymers

Answer 8

Organic materials made from macromolecules that are

assembled through various interactions (ionic, VdW, H-bond,…)

Question 9

Polymer hydrogels

Answer 9

A crosslinked network of hydrophilic polymers immersed in water swells to form a solid (hydrogel) composed of the swollen network retaining a large amount of water.