ABSTRACT
In the present chapter, the basics of biomaterials, the types of biomaterials in general and the bioactive materials in particular, will be discussed. The different categories of bioceramics will be described. However, particular emphasis will be on the usage of bioactive hydroxyapatite and its coating. The naturally occurring hydroxyapatite is found in bone and teeth. Therefore, these natural nanocomposites shall be briefly discussed, putting in perspective their structural complexity on the one hand, and their marvelous functionality on the other. However, before going to such detail, we need to know what we really mean by the term biomaterial, as discussed below.
