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Department of Mechanical Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2008/09


ME40298 Advanced biomaterials

Credits: 6
Level: Masters
Semester: 1
Assessment: CW 100%
Requisites:
Aims: To give an appreciation of the concepts underlying the design and selection of materials for use in prostheses and implants.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit the student will have:
* The knowledge necessary to be able to distinguish various classes of advanced biomaterials materials.
* Interpreted information on various types and classes of biomaterials.
* The knowledge necessary to be able to distinguish between the various classes of materials used in medicine and dentistry and their application, including the limits of use.
Skills:
Facilitated intellectual and professional key skills.
Content:
Definition and classification of biomaterials: Applications of polymers, metals, ceramics and composite as biomaterials for implantation. Surface properties of materials - physical properties of materials- mechanical properties- viscoelasticity.
Structure of solids: Crystal structure of solids -crystal imperfections -noncrystalline solids .
Strength of biomaterials: Strength and strengthening mechanisms of metals ,ceramics, glasses and polymers. Structural properties of tissues- Bone , Teeth ,Elastic tissues.
Biocompatibility: Definition, Wound healing process-bone healing, tendon healing.
Material response: Function and Degradation of materials in vivo.
Host response: Tissue response to biomaterials, Effects of wear particles.
Testing of implants: Methods of test for biological performance- In-vitro implant tests, Invivo implant test methods. Qualification of implant materials.
Metallic implant materials: Stainless steel , Co-based alloys, Ti and Ti-based alloys .
Ceramic implant materials: Aluminium oxides , Glass ceramics , Carbons.
Hard tissue replacement implant: Orthopedic implants, Dental implants.
Soft tissue replacement implants: Percutaneous and skin implants, Vascular implants, Heart valve implants.
Polymeric implant materials: Polyolefins, polyamides, acrylic polymers, fluorocarbon polymers. Rubbers, Thermoplastics . Physiochemical characteristics of biopolymers. Biodegradable polymers for medical purposes. Synthetic polymeric membranes and their biological applications. Biopolymers in controlled release systems. Artificial skin. Dialysis membrane.