Biodegradable Materials and Metallic Implants-A Review

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Medical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Significant advancements in biomaterials over the past five decades have led to diverse clinical applications.
• Current bioimplants utilize various forms including ceramics, glasses, polymers, composites, glass-ceramics, and metal alloys.
• A key development is the design of materials that degrade or resorb within the body, eliminating the need for explantation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art biodegradable bioceramics, polymers, and metal alloys.
• To discuss essential functions, critical properties, and influencing factors of these bioresorbable/biodegradable materials.
• To highlight the challenges and future directions in the field of biodegradable biomaterials for implants.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent progress in biomaterials and their clinical applications.
• Focus on biodegradable and bioresorbable materials, including ceramics, polymers, and metal alloys.
• Detailed discussion of material properties such as mechanical strength, biocompatibility, degradation rate, and corrosion resistance.

Main Results:

• Biomaterials science has seen substantial progress, enabling a wide array of bioimplant options.
• Biodegradable materials offer advantages by eliminating the need for secondary surgeries to remove implants.
• Critical factors like mechanical properties, non-toxicity, surface modification, and scaffold design are crucial for effective bioimplants.

Conclusions:

• Biodegradable biomaterials are crucial for advanced bioimplant development, offering functional integration and resorption.
• Understanding material properties and overcoming current challenges are essential for optimizing clinical performance.
• Continued research into biodegradable ceramics, polymers, and metal alloys will drive innovation in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.