Nanoceramics in Biomedical Applications
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Nanoceramics in Biomedical Applications B. Ben-Nissan Abstract An improved understanding of the interactions at the nanoscale level between the bioceramics in medical implants and the hard or soft tissues in the human body could contribute significantly to the design of new-generation prostheses and postoperative patient management strategies. Overall, the benefits of advanced ceramic materials in biomedical applications have been universally accepted, specifically in terms of their strength, biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, and wear resistance in articulating joints. The continuous development of new-generation implants utilizing nanocoatings with novel nanosensors and devices is leading to better compatibility with human tissue and improved well-being and longevity for patients. This article gives a short overview of bioceramics and reexamines key issues of concern for processing and applying nanoceramics as biomaterials. Keywords: bioceramics, biomaterials, implants, nanoceramics, nanostructure.
with body fluids and tissues for prolonged periods of time while eliciting little if any adverse reaction.1 The main factors in any biomaterial’s clinical success are its biocompatibility and biofunctionality, which are directly related to tissue/implant interface interactions. Improvement of interface bonding by nanoscale coatings, based on biomimetics, has been of worldwide interest during the last decade. Currently, a number of companies are in the commercialization stages of new-generation nanoscalemodified implants for orthopedic, ocular, and maxillofacial surgery and for hardand soft-tissue engineering (e.g., IsoTis BV, ApaTech Ltd., Etex Corp.). The worldwide biomaterials market is valued at close to $24 billion. Orthopedic and dental applications represent approximately 55% of the total biomaterials market. Sales of orthopedic products worldwide exceeded $13 billion in 2000, an increase of 12% over 1999 revenues.2 Expansion in these areas is expected to continue, due to a number of factors including the aging population, an increasing preference by younger to middle-aged candidates to undergo surgery, improvements in technology, a better understanding of biomechanics, the desire to improve one’s appearance, and the demand by patients for better performance from orthopedic products.
Biomaterials and Bioceramics Introduction At present, the most common materials in clinical use are those chosen from a handful of well-characterized and available biocompatible ceramics, metals, polymers, and their combinations as composites or hybrids. Advances in the fundamental understanding of cell and molecular biology, tissue engineering, targeted drug delivery, wound healing, and other biomedical processes, together with the development of new enabling technologies such as microscale, nanoscale, and bio-inspired fabrication (biomimetics) and surface modification methods, have the potential to drive at an unprecedented rate the design and development of new biomaterials useful for medical applications. The current focus is on
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