BIOMATERIALS

At the end of this course the student should learn: 1. The meanings of biocompatibility and toxicity of biomaterials 2. The different types of biomaterials depending on the biomedical application and the most important mechanical, physicochemical and biological properties of these materials. 3. The differences between biomaterials that are designed for organs replacement, reconstruction and regeneration. 4. The most important types of proteins, cells and tissues and their mechanisms of interactions with biomaterials surfaces 5. The most important in-vitro and in-vivo test of biomaterials for monitoring their biocompatibility and toxicity 6. The most important mechanisms of cells response to wounds caused by biomaterials implantation 6. Application of biomaterials in ophthalmology, orthopediatrics, cardiovascular surgery and urology. 7. Choice and design of proper materials for biomedical applications

Objectives

At the end of the course the student will have further developed the following skills/competences: 1. The ability to choose or prepare the proper biomaterial depending on the biomedical application 2. The ability to predict the response of the biological system during the interaction with different biomaterials 3. The ability to design and plan processes for surface modification of biomaterials for improvement of biocompatibility and material performance 4. The ability to choose or plan the proper in-vitro or in-vivo tests for checking and monitoring the biocompatibility of materials

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisite courses. It is, however, recommended that students should have basic knowledge of Materials Science, Polymers Science and Biology

Syllabus

1. Introduction to biomaterials and biocompatibility / toxicity. 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation biomaterials. Replacement, Reconstruction and regeneration of basic organs 2. Types of biomaterials: Synthesis and properties of metallic, ceramic and polymeric biomaterials Mechanical and physicochemical properties 3. Types of biomaterials: Hydrogels, Natural Biomaterials, medical fibers and textiles. Usual methods for surface modification of biomaterials. 4. Proteins – Cells – Tissues: Mechanisms of interactions with biomaterial surfaces. Cells and tissue responses to implantation wounds 5. In-vitro and in-vivo tests of materials biocompatibility 6. Application of biomaterials in ophthalmology, orthopediatrics, cardiovascular surgery and urology. 7. Choice and design of proper materials for biomedical applications