87830 - Biomaterials

Learning outcomes

Basic knowledge of : Bone and articular tissue, Biomaterials commonly usde for the bone tissue regeneration and for bone implants.

Course contents

The course is aimed at illustrating state of the art, open problems and advanced solutions related

to the use of modern biomaterials for the manufacturing of biomedical implantable devices.

At the end of the course students will be able to suggest proper strategies and suitable materials for bone and cartilage tissue recovery.

The following topics will be discussed:

• Requirements of Biomaterials: general issues and concerns;
• Materials used for Biomaterials fabrication: characteristics and properties
• Metals
• Ceramics
• Biopolymers
• Composite materials
• Strategies and technologies (conventional/advanced tecniques) for biomaterials synthesis
• Biocompatibility, brief overview of in vitro and in vivo tests used for biomaterials validation
• Introduction to bone and osteochondral tissue: composition, morphology, bone turnover and common diseases
• Current strategies for bone tissues replacement and repair
• Scaffoldsfor bone regeneration and principles of Tissue Engineering approach
• Bone cements
• Biomaterials designed as «in situ» drug delivery systems

Readings/Bibliography

Slides and supporting materials will be available for students in electronic format.

Teaching methods

Power Point presentation.

Interactive discussions during class hours will take place on some selected papers

Assessment methods

Oral examen starting from the discussion of a recently published paper.

Teaching tools

PC, blackboard, Power point.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Panzavolta