Lecture 26/27 Flashcards
Q: What are the two basic classes of biomaterials?
A: The two basic classes of biomaterials are polymers and metals.
Q: What are polymers and how are they formed?
A: Polymers are macromolecules formed by linking monomers in a process called polymerization.
Q: Name three common synthetic polymers used in medical applications.
A: Polyethylene, Polystyrene, and Polypropylene.
Q: What are the main advantages of synthetic polymers in medicine?
A: Synthetic polymers are strong, durable, easily manufactured, and resistant to degradation.
Q: What is a major disadvantage of synthetic polymers in medical use?
A: They lack bioactivity and may not interact well with biological tissues.
Q: Give two examples of natural polymers used in medicine and their applications.
A: Collagen (used in wound dressings) and Alginate (used in dental impressions).
Q: What is the key difference between synthetic and natural polymers?
A: Synthetic polymers are stronger and more durable, while natural polymers are bioactive but weaker and degrade faster.
Q: Why are metals like titanium commonly used in biomaterials?
A: Metals like titanium are used because they are strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion.
Q: What is stress shielding, and why is it a concern with metal implants?
A: Stress shielding occurs when metal implants are too stiff, causing bone around the implant to weaken due to reduced load.
Q: How do surface modifications improve metal biomaterials?
A: Surface modifications like passivation and coating enhance wear resistance, prevent corrosion, and improve cell attachment.
Q: What are the basic components required for cell culture growth?
A: Cells need nutrients (media), growth factors, controlled temperature (37°C), and a specific gas environment (5% CO₂).
Q: What are the four phases of cell growth in culture?
A: Lag phase, Log phase, Stationary phase, and Death phase.
Q: What are spheroids, and why are they used in cell culture models?
A: Spheroids are 3D clusters of cells used to better mimic tissue architecture and function, especially in cancer and tissue regeneration studies.
Q: How is bone mineralization assessed in vitro?
A: Bone mineralization is commonly assessed using osteoblast culture and Alizarin Red staining to detect calcium deposits.
Q: What are the limitations of traditional 2D cell culture models?
A: They lack the complexity of 3D tissue structures, limiting accurate predictions of cell behavior in vivo, such as interactions with the extracellular matrix.
