ESM 353, Biomaterials

Dr. C.C . Berndt
cberndt@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
Materials Science and Engineering
Old Engineering 306
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY 11794 The development of materials that can be successfully implanted in the human body to replace parts of the anatomy has received considerable attention during the past two decades. Implants are generally used to:

replace damaged or diseased parts of the body,
to simulate a congenitally absent part of the body,
to aid in the healing processes of tissues,
to correct a deformity or
to rectify the operation of an organ.

The usage of biomaterials centres around two broad categories which concentrate on either orthopaedic surgery (i.e., concerning the skeleton) or in soft tissue reconstruction. A common example of implants used in orthopaedic surgery is that of fracture fixation by use of metal plates, wires and screws whereas suture materials and plastics are used for closing and patching surface and internal wounds .

This elective will study the engineering characteristics of materials which are used in the humanpody. These include metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, coatings and adhesives. All materials which are considered for implants must not only meet the material requirements specified for the device application, e.g., strength, modulus, fatigue and corrosion resistance, conductivity, etc., but must also be compatible with the biological environment, e. g., non- toxic, non-carcinogenic, resist blood clotting if in the cardio-vascular system, etc. - thus the material must be bio- compatible.

The course will cover at least four different areas to include the following subjects.

Metals and alloys used as restorative materials in dentistry. High strength materials used for implants (such as hip joints ) in the musculo-skeletal system. Use of flexible materials (either semi-rigid or with a low Young's modulus) such as polymers for the replacement of arteries, the cornea of eyes or to patch up a hernia. Adhesives, coatings and composite applications for materials within the human body. Emphasis will be placed on the selection criteria for various components on the basis of their engineering properties.

03/29/02 JQ