biomaterial
Tissue-friendly synthetic matter
A biomaterial is any substance engineered to interact with biological systems for medical purposes—replacement joints, dental implants, sutures, contact lenses.
The term covers metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites designed to be compatible with living tissue: The surgeon chose a biomaterial that would fuse with the patient's bone.
Biomaterials may be synthetic or derived from natural sources like collagen.
Manufactured replacement body part
- scaffoldTemporary elevated work structure
- stentImplanted tube for blockages
- graftIllicit political gain
- titaniumElement twenty-two
hydrogel · polymer · ceramic · mesh · silicone · alloy · hip · knee
Harmlessness to living systems
- cytotoxicityHarmfulness to living cells
- degradationDecline in condition
- characterizationDescribing distinctive qualities
- mechanicalOperated by machinery
porosity · crosslinking · fabrication · bioprinting · nanofiber · hydrogel · testing · sterilization
Disposable soft paper
- scaffoldTemporary elevated work structure
- angiogenesisFormation of new vessels
- differentiationRecognizing meaningful differences
- proliferationRapid increase in quantity
healing · repair · cytokines · morphogenesis · vascularization · bone · cartilage · skin
Structural body protein
- cellulosePlant wall polysaccharide
- chitinArthropod shell polymer
- keratinStructural hair protein
- elastinProtein enabling tissue recoil
silk · alginate · gelatin · fibrin · hyaluronic · pectin · lignin · starch
Capable of restoration
- compostableAble to decompose naturally
- biobasedFrom living organisms
- eco-friendlyNot harming the environment
- recyclableCapable of being remade
green · non-toxic · mycelium · bamboo · cork · upcycled · low-impact · fermentation
prosthesis
Manufactured replacement body part
- scaffoldTemporary elevated work structure
- stentImplanted tube for blockages
- graftIllicit political gain
titanium · hydrogel · polymer · ceramic · mesh · silicone · alloy · hip · knee · pacemaker
biocompatibility
Harmlessness to living systems
- cytotoxicityHarmfulness to living cells
- degradationDecline in condition
- characterizationDescribing distinctive qualities
mechanical · porosity · crosslinking · fabrication · bioprinting · nanofiber · hydrogel · testing · sterilization · FDA
tissue
Disposable soft paper
- scaffoldTemporary elevated work structure
- angiogenesisFormation of new vessels
- differentiationRecognizing meaningful differences
proliferation · healing · repair · cytokines · morphogenesis · vascularization · bone · cartilage · skin · wound
collagen
Structural body protein
elastin · silk · alginate · gelatin · fibrin · hyaluronic · pectin · lignin · starch · protein
renewable
Capable of restoration
- compostableAble to decompose naturally
- biobasedFrom living organisms
- eco-friendlyNot harming the environment
recyclable · green · non-toxic · mycelium · bamboo · cork · upcycled · low-impact · fermentation
- materialsmetal, metals, wood, ceramic, fabric
- prostheticsartificial limb, prosthetic arms, prosthetic foot, bionic hands, bionic arm
biomaterialsynthetic material
Human-made substance, not natural
petrochemical · mineral · synthetic compound · chemical compound · metal