Requirements of Biomaterials

Requirements of Biomaterials:

Biomaterials must have special properties that can be tailored to meet the
needs of a particular application - this is an important concept to bear in
mind. For example, a biomaterial must be biocompatible, non-carcinogenic, corrosion-resistant, and has low toxicity and wear . However, depending on the application, differing requirements may arise. Sometimes these requirements can be completely opposite. In tissue engineering of the bone, for instance, the polymeric scaffold needs to be biodegradable so that as the cells generate their own extracellular matrices, the polymeric biomaterial will be completely replaced over time with the patient s own tissue. In the case of mechanical heart valves, on the other hand, we need materials that are biostable, wear-resistant, and which do not degrade with time. Materials such as pyrolytic carbon leaflet and titanium housing are used because they can last at least 20 years or more.
Generally, the requirements of biomaterials can he grouped into four broad categories:

1-Biocompatibility:

Biocompatibility involves the acceptance of an artificial implant by the surrounding tissues and by the body as a whole. Biocompatible materials do not irritate the surrounding structures, do not provoke an abnormal inflammatory response, do not incite allergic or immunologic reactions, and do not cause cancer. Other compatibility characteristics that may be important in the function of an implant device made of biomaterials include (1) adequate mechanical properties such as strength, stiffness, and fatigue properties; (2) appropriate optical properties if the material is to be used in the eye, skin, or tooth; and (3) appropriate density.
Sterilizability, manufacturability, long-term storage, and appropriate engineering design are also to be considered.