ABSTRACT
The major emphasis of Chapter 1 was put on two aspects: the different types of (1) biomaterials and (2) bioactive materials. In the process, we also highlighted what exactly is meant by biocompatibility, and why we need biomaterials to be biocompatible. Gradually, the discussion zeroed in to focus on bioactive ceramics, and especially on the bioactive ceramic material hydroxyapatite (HAp). Finally, we emphasized its usage as a bioactive ceramic coating. In addition, a glance was made at natural biomaterials like bone and teeth. It was shown, in a nutshell, how both of these natural bio materials possess hierarchically designed functionally graded microstructures that not only span from a nanometer to a meter order of dimensions, but also help to perform multiple, repetitive, simultaneous, and predefined actions in a smart and intelligent manner. The idea of such a natural nanobiohybrid composite was finally shown to transgress into both the need and challenges involved in the development of surface-engineered biometallic implants.
