News: As India moves toward cleaner manufacturing methods for products like plastics and textiles, biomaterials are emerging as the next frontier in materials engineering.
About Biomaterials
- Biomaterials are materials derived wholly or partly from biological sources or engineered using biological processes.
- They are designed to replace or interact with conventional materials.
- Types of Biomaterials:
- Drop-in Biomaterials: Drop-in biomaterials are chemically identical to conventional fossil-based materials.
- They can be used in existing manufacturing and recycling systems without modification. Bio-PET is a common example of a drop-in biomaterial.
- Drop-out Biomaterials: Drop-out biomaterials are chemically different from conventional materials.
- They require new processing methods and dedicated end-of-life systems. Polylactic acid (PLA) is a widely used drop-out biomaterial.
- Novel Biomaterials: Novel biomaterials offer new properties not found in traditional materials.
- These include self-healing materials, bioactive implants, and advanced bio-composites.
- Drop-in Biomaterials: Drop-in biomaterials are chemically identical to conventional fossil-based materials.
- Applications of Biomaterials
- Biomaterials are used in orthopedic implants such as hip and knee replacements to restore mobility and reduce pain.
- They are used in dental implants, providing strong support for artificial teeth
- Cardiovascular stents made from biomaterials help keep arteries open and improve blood flow
- Biomaterials are essential in prosthetics, enabling the development of artificial limbs and joint replacements.
- They are used in drug-delivery systems to ensure controlled and targeted release of medicines.
- In tissue engineering, biomaterials act as scaffolds for tissue and organ regeneration.
- Biomaterials are incorporated into medical devices and diagnostics, such as biosensors and contact lenses.
