Biomechanical and biochemical compatibility in innovative biomaterials

Abstract

A wide range of materials have been used in medical devices that rebuild normal functions of a whole or a part of a living structure. The choices of materials have advanced from the bioinert, to the bioactive and the bioresponsive. The interfaces between man-made materials and biological materials are highly important for a diverse range of applications. The understanding of the structure, bonding and dynamics of the biointerfaces is a prerequisite for the design of new materials with improved biocompatibility.In this chapter, the biomechanical and biochemical compatibilities are discussed with reference to the current concepts, the state-of-the-art development and future challenges. Examples are given from a new generation of metallic alloys, addressing the problems of 'stress shielding' of traditional metallic implant materials, to the development of self-assembled drug-deliverable coatings. © 2012 Woodhead Publishing Limited All rights reserved.