This book is an up-to-date introduction to various types of biomaterials increasingly used in medicine and healthcare, ranging from natural and synthetic polymers, inorganic and hybrid polymers, to metallic and bioinert ceramic biomaterials. It comprises eight chapters, each complete with references, and has the advantage of being quite compact (226 pages).
The main trends in biomaterial development and realization are briefly presented with special focus on implantable electronic devices used to demonstrate key aspects and challenges associated with the design of complex implantable systems. An interesting overview on natural polymers, including chitosan, alginate, starch, collagen, and gelatin, is given mainly with respect to bioresorptivity and biodegradability. The advantage of synthetic polymers over biopolymers is demonstrated by their improved chemical resistance, tunability of their properties, and mechanical durability. The drawbacks of organic polymers can be overcome by polymeric biomaterials derived from inorganic and organometallic precursors, which by virtue of their ability for controlled biodegradation are highly suited for medical applications from transient implants to drug delivery vehicles.
Metallic biomaterials remain among the most widely used in medical devices and permanent implants as a result of their special mechanical properties, particularly fracture toughness and fatigue strength. Indeed, the most used metallic biomaterials are based on pure Ti, Ti-Al-V and Co-Cr alloys, and stainless steel, along with novel metallic biomaterials such as bioresorbable Mg alloys and Ni-Ti shape-memory materials. However, such implants can undergo loss of surface integrity followed by leaching of metal ions and particles in the peri-implant surroundings, finally resulting in loss of mechanical function and device failure. In this context the main aspects related to cytotoxicity and biocompatibility are also presented.
Finally, the advanced applications of bioinert ceramic biomaterials, known for their excellent mechanical strength, corrosion, and wear resistance, are described. Their limited ability to be integrated with soft and hard tissues is discussed as a limiting factor for their clinical application. Of special interest are also bioresorbable ceramics, which are actively involved in the metabolic processes of an organism into which they are implanted, since they can mimic the osseous tissue and are able to initiate the biological processes associated with osteogenesis.
The main feature of this book is the strong link between the special properties of these functional biomaterials and their application potential as medical devices. This makes the book interesting for readers coming from both research and industry environments, with expertise in chemistry, physics, materials science, and biomedical engineering.
Reviewer: Aurelia Megheais Emeritus Professor at University Politehnica of Bucharest, Romania.
