Biomatériaux

Biomatériaux are materials intended to interface with biological systems to evaluate, treat, augment, or replace any tissue, organ, or function of the body. These materials can be derived from natural sources or synthesized in a laboratory. The field of biomaterials is interdisciplinary, drawing on medicine, biology, chemistry, materials science, and engineering.

The primary function of a biomaterial is to interact with the body without eliciting an adverse local or systemic response. This means they should be biocompatible, meaning they do not cause harm to the living tissue they come into contact with. Properties such as mechanical strength, degradation rate, surface chemistry, and porosity are crucial for their performance in vivo.

Common applications of biomaterials include medical implants like artificial joints, dental fillings, contact lenses, and surgical meshes. They are also used in drug delivery systems, tissue engineering scaffolds, and diagnostic devices. The development of novel biomaterials continues to advance medical treatments and improve the quality of life for patients. Research focuses on creating materials that are more functional, responsive to biological signals, and less prone to rejection or infection.