Biophysics of Biomaterials
摘要
Depending upon the type of their structural arrangement, biomaterials can be subdivided into metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. The structural arrangement of biomaterials is such that materials in each subgroup exhibit similar physical and biological properties. It is essential to understand that these biomaterials are studied based on their physical, chemical, electrical, and mechanical properties. The mechanical demands of implants are determined by their intended medical function, with factors such as strength for bearing loads and elasticity for withstanding shear stress playing a crucial role. What is Young’s modulus, coefficient of friction, corrodibility, fracture toughness, fatigue, viscoelasticity, etc., which form the guiding principle of modern-day implant design. In orthopedics, implant materials must endure repetitive unloading and loading cycles subjected to diverse pressures, including bending, twisting, and shearing stress. Furthermore, implant devices are subjected to corrosive conditions for prolonged durations, which may affect their characteristics. Evaluating mechanical qualities entails analyzing the deformation (strain) produced by an applied force (stress). This assessment offers critical insights into the material’s capacity to endure and adjust to external stresses, informing the design and selection of implants that fulfill the mechanical specifications of their intended uses. In terms of biocompatibility, many metals utilized as biomaterials have a comparatively low inherent osteogenic and osteoimmune modulation capacity, particularly in contrast to polymers. The presence of metallic materials can sometimes act as foreign bodies, causing severe immune and tissue reactions; hence, it is of utmost essence to understand the bio-inertness of different biomaterials available in our inventory.