Title: Biomedical materials

Authors: Marc Chopplet, Jean-Pierre Theirry

Addresses: Head of Programme on Biotechnology, European Institute of Technology, Tour Franklin, Cedex 11, 92081 Paris, France. ' Co-Director of the Technology of Life Department, Centre for the Study of Systems and Advanced Technologies, 1 rue Descartes, 75005 Paris, France

Abstract: This paper examines the criteria governing the choice of materials for making prostheses – not only those used in orthopaedics but also those used for the cardiovascular system, intra-ocular devices, and pumps such as those used for the periodic release of insulin. In many cases aesthetic considerations are important; a prosthesis should be acceptable to the host and to those around him. It must be comfortable and biocompatible, not harming the host. It must be mechanically adequate for the purpose and have good wear and corrosion resistance, so that it can be left in place for many years. Examples are given of how new |biomaterials| are being developed and predictions are made of the directions that research is likely to take in the future.

Keywords: aesthetics; biocompatibility; biofunctionality; biomedical materials; corrosion resistance; histocompatibility; prostheses; wear resistance; weight reduction; biomaterials.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.1990.036621

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 1990 Vol.5 No.3, pp.273 - 280

Published online: 05 Nov 2010 *

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