93841 - BIOMATERIALI POLIMERICI, CERAMICI E COMPOSITI M

Learning outcomes

The Student gains information and develops specific skills on the different families of polymers, ceramics and composite materials applied to the biomedical field, understanding their specific interaction with the biological site of use and/or implantation. The Student learns the chemical, physical, mechanical and surface properties of polymeric, ceramic and composite biomaterials, to understand their selection and use in the design and fabrication of biomedical devices, including implantable solutions. The Student gains basic knowledge on the formulation of polymeric biomaterials, ceramics and composites.

Course contents

Requirements/Prior knowledge

A prior knowledge and understanding of Materials Science and Technology is required to attend with profit this course.

Fluent spoken and written Italian is a necessary pre-requisite: all lectures and tutorials will be offered in Italian.

Course contents

Introduction to the module "Polymeric, ceramic and composite biomaterials". Introduction to the program of the course, lecturing material, examination modality.

Introduction to biocompatibility and interactions between biomaterials and physiological environment.  Classification of polymeric, ceramic and composite biomaterials and their technical features. Chemical and compositional aspects and their influence on biocompatibility and interaction with biological tissues. Properties of the interfaces between biomaterials and biological tissues. 

Selection criteria for biomaterials for biomedical use: methods and data sources. Properties/applications correlations and specific biomedical use of biomaterials.

Production processes for polymeric, ceramic and composite biomaterials, and effects on chemical, mechanical and surface properties.

Main families of polymers and polymer-based composites for biomedical use: thermoplastics and thermosets, elastomers. The role played by additives on biocompatibility. Applications and case studies.

Main families of ceramics and glasses, ceramic-based and glass-based composites for biomedical use: silicates, alumino-silicates, metal oxides, bioglasses. Applications and case studies.

Sterilization: industrial processes, effects of sterilization on materials and devices.

Degradation and wear phenomena and their related effects for biomedical materials.

Examples of biomedical devices engineering: the case study of scaffolds for tissue regeneration.

Readings/Bibliography

1. Lecture notes taken by the Student
2. Slides (.pptx, .pdf) prepared by the Professor and used to support lecturing, shared on Virtuale.Unibo.it and accessible with password 
3. Bibliography indicated on the slides 

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures in the classroom and/or on-line lectures according to the timetable and to the pandemic emergency.

The teacher also proposes:

- Optional visits to the research laboratory to illustrate the main equipment and methods for the characterization of biomaterials

- Seminars on specific topics held by people working in the field of metallic biomaterials.

Attendance is recommended for a better learning of fundamental concepts.

Assessment methods

Achievements will be assessed by means of a final oral exam.

The oral session consists of 2-3 questions aimed to an analytical assessment of the expected learning outcomes, that are:

1.Knowledge of the main principles driving interaction between biomaterials and physiological environment, degradation and wear and durability in the application site.

2. Knowledge of the main families, properties and applications of polymeric, ceramic and composite biomaterials.

3. Knowledge of the main tools and methods for the characterization of  biomaterials.

4. Ability to make the correct selection of the most suitable  biomaterial and treatment to satisfy specific functions in use.

To obtain a passing grade, students are required to demonstrate a knowledge of the key concepts of the subject and a comprehensible use of technical language. A failing grade will be awarded if the student shows knowledge gaps in key-concepts of the subject and an inappropriate use of technical language. Higher grades will be awarded to students who demonstrate an organic and deep understanding of the subject, a good capability of connecting different topics and a proper use of technical language.

The final vote that will be recorded will be calculated as the arithmetic average of the single votes that the student will have obtained in the two modules (this one and METALLIC BIOMATERIALS). If the result of the average presents the decimal number 0.5, the vote will be rounded in excess. In order to obtain the "30 cum laude" final evaluation, the student must be in one of the following two cases:

- have received "30 cum laude" in both modules

- have received "30 cum laude" in one module and 30 in the other.

Examinations schedule is available in advance on the University of Bologna web site AlmaEsami. Students intending to take the exam must subscribe in AlmaEsami and must show a ID document on the day of the exam.

Teaching tools

The lessons are based on the use of slides (available on the VIRTUALE repository), a traditional blackboard or tablet, and video for teaching support. Attendance is recommended for a better learning of fundamental concepts.

Any tools for students with disabilities can be agreed with the DSA Student Service of UNIBO.

Office hours

See the website of Paola Fabbri