Characterization of Biomaterials

One of the key challenges current biomaterials researchers face is identifying which of the dizzying number of highly specialized characterization tools can be gainfully applied to different materials and biomedical devices. Since this diverse marketplace of tools and techniques can be used for numerous applications, choosing the proper characterization tool is highly important, saving both time and resources.

Characterization of Biomaterials is a detailed and multidisciplinary discussion of the physical, chemical, mechanical, surface, in vitro and in vivo characterization tools and techniques of increasing importance to fundamental biomaterials research.

Characterization of Biomaterials will serve as a comprehensive resource for biomaterials researchers requiring detailed information on physical, chemical, mechanical, surface, and in vitro or in vivo characterization. The book is designed for materials scientists, bioengineers, biologists, clinicians and biomedical device researchers seeking input on planning on how to test their novel materials, structures or biomedical devices to a specific application. Chapters are developed considering the need for industrial researchers as well as academics.

Coverage encompasses a cross-section of the physical sciences, biological sciences, engineering and applied sciences characterization community, providing gainful and cross-cutting insight into this highly multi-disciplinary field.

Detailed coverage of important test protocols presents specific examples and standards for applied characterization

Chapter 1. Introduction to Biomaterials

• Natural and synthetic biomaterials – an introduction
• Applications of biomaterials
• A few case studies related to failures of biomaterials and its impact – focus on need for appropriate characterization of biomaterials

 Chapter 2: Physical and Chemical Characterization of Biomaterials

• Physical properties of biomaterials – an introduction
• Microstructural characterization of biomaterials
• Phase changes in biomaterials – this part will focus on understanding phase change behavior and their measurement techniques in various materials like NiTi type shape memory alloys for stents or calcium phosphate ceramics  and their phase change as a function of temperature, pH and so on.
• Porous biomaterials – Different types of porosity and their impact on biomaterials.
• Structural characterization of biomaterials – focus will be on different techniques such as IR, NMR, and other spectroscopic analysis.

Chapter 3. Mechanical Characterization of Biomaterials

• Mechanical properties of biomaterials – an introduction
• Uniaxial deformation in biomaterials
• Multiaxial such as biaxial and bending/flexural deformation in biomaterials
• Cyclic deformation in biomaterials

• Rotating bending fatigue
• Tension-tension, tension-compression and compression-compression fatigue

Chapter 4. Surface Characterization of Biomaterials

• Surface properties of biomaterials – an introduction
• Surface chemistry, surface roughness, wetting and surface energy
• Hardness measurements – macro, micro and nano-indentations
• Adhesion and interfacial strengths of coatings
• Surface degradation of biomaterials

Chapter 5. In vitro Characterization of Biomaterials I

• Cell-materials interactions on biomaterials – an introduction
• Cytocompatibility assessment
• Measurements of cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of cell-materials interactions
• Immunochemistry and protein assays
• Anti-microbial characterization of materials

Chapter 6. In vivo Characterization of Biomaterials II

• Tissue materials interactions with biomaterials - an introduction
• Biocompatibility studies
• Tissue materials interactions - Histology and histomorphometric analysis
• Biodistribution studies
• Tissue integration and bio-mechanical analysis

Chapter 7. Characterization of Biomedical Devices

• Device level testing vs. materials analysis – an introduction
• Case studies – a few selected case studies will be presented towards device level characterization such as

• Wear behavior of articulating surfaces in biomaterials