Overview of Biomaterials

A biomaterial can be defined as any synthetic material that is used to replace or restore function to a body tissue and is continuously or intermittently in contact with body fluids. A broader definition might also include materials used for surgical or dental instruments and for external prostheses such as artificial limbs and devices such as hearing aids. A biomaterial placed within the interior of the body must be biocompatible-that is, it must not elicit an adverse response from the body, and vice versa. The biomaterial should possess adequate physical and mechanical properties to serve as augmentation or replacement of body tissues. For practical use, a biomaterial should be amenable to being formed or machined into different shapes, have relatively low cost, and be readily available.

This chapter from the new ASM publication Handbook of Materials for Medical Devices provides an introduction and overview of the topic. It begins with a review of the uses for biomaterials. It then describes the general types of biomaterials and provides examples of their use.