ABSTRACT
Biomaterials science is a multidisciplinary endeavor incorporating chemical engineering, medicine, biology, chemistry, materials science, bioengineering, and biomechanics. The past few years have witnessed an explosion in the Šeld of biomaterials, with an expansion of both the compositions and the applications of medical implant materials. As the prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disease increases, there will be an even greater need for innovative biomaterials. This chapter reviews the current status of the Šeld of biomaterials, and highlights new developments in biomaterials. The chapter will provide an overview of medical applications of biomaterials, and will describe current classes of biomaterials, including metals, ceramics and glasses, and polymeric materials. The chapter will then discuss the next generation of biomaterials, including surface-modiŠed biomaterials, smart biomaterials, bioactive materials, biomimetic materials, patterned biomaterials, and tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
