'Biomaterials Science' is an elective course offered for the B. Tech. programs at the School of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham.
Unit 1
Introduction: Bulk properties, Surface properties and characterization - polymers, silicone biomaterials, medical fibres and biotextiles - Smart polymers - bioresorbable and bioerodible materials - natural materials, metals and ceramics - physicochemical surface modification.
Biocompatibility concepts: Introduction to biocompatibility - cell material interaction – types of materials - toxic, inert, bioactive - long term effects of materials within the body - cell response.
Unit 2
Chemical and biochemical degradation of polymers - degradation of metals and ceramics - calcification of biomaterials.
Host reactions and their evaluation: Inflammation and foreign body response - adaptive immunity - systemic toxicity and hypersensitivity - blood coagulation and blood materials interactions - device related infections.
Unit 3
Biological testing of biomaterials: Invitro and invivo assessment of tissue compatibility - evaluation of blood materials interaction - microscopy in biomaterials.
Practical aspects of biomaterials: Bioelectrodes, biomedical sensors and biosensors - sterilization of implants - implant failure - implant retrieval and evaluation - legal aspects, ethical issues and regulation aspects.