The science and applications of biomaterials

Surgery in the late twentieth century places heavy demands upon sophisticated technology, ranging from functional imaging equipment that assists in diagnosis, to lasers and robotics to improve accuracy and reliability. One of the most important areas in which technological advances have significantly enhanced surgery involves the use of synthetic materials for reconstruction of the body. These materials, generally referred to as 'biomaterials', are defined as materials intended to interface with biological systems to evaluate, treat, augment or replace any tissue, organ or function of the body. It is important to recognize that biomaterials have rarely been designed specifically for this use. Instead they are generally materials developed with other applications in mind, but which have been found to be appropriate for medical use, often being modified or optimized for these applications. Thus these materials are generally no different in structure and properties to materials used in the chemical, aerospace or nuclear industries. It is the matching of the properties of materials to the specific and, indeed, unique requirements of surgical reconstruction, that is the key to biomaterials science.