Biomaterials – An Overview
PowerPoint Presentation Document for Seminar Use (Text + Images)
Slide 1: Title Slide
Biomaterials – An Overview
Presented by: [Professor Name]
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Seminar – August 14, 2025
Slide 2: What Are Biomaterials?
![Definition infographic showing biomaterials and their interaction with the human body]
Common medical applications of biomaterials include joint and hip replacements, heart
valves, prosthetic blood vessels, cochlear implants, contact lenses, dental implants, and
skin repair devices.
Definition:
A biomaterial is a substance engineered to interact with biological systems for a
medical purpose (therapeutic or diagnostic).[1]
Can be synthetic (man-made) or derived from natural sources.
Must be biocompatible, safe, and functionally reliable.
Slide 3: Classification of Biomaterials
![Diagram showing four main classes—metals, ceramics, polymers, composites]
Various medical applications of polymeric biomaterials including implants and devices
like bone and blood vessel implants, heart valves, breast implants, ocular and nerve
implants.
Main Types:
Metals: Titanium, stainless steel, cobalt-chromium alloys
Ceramics: Alumina, zirconia, hydroxyapatite
Polymers: Collagen, nylon, silicone, PMMA
Composites: Fiber-reinforced bone cement, dental composites
Key Properties:
Structural/mechanical reliability
Biocompatibility
Processability and tailorability
Slide 4: Biomaterials in Medical Applications
![Medical device/implant illustration (heart valve, joint replacement, catheters)]
Illustration of a pacemaker implanted in the human chest, showcasing biomaterials used
in medical device implants.
Major Uses:
Orthopedics: Hip/knee joint replacements, bone repair plates
Cardiovascular: Heart valves, vascular grafts, stents
Dental: Implants, crowns, fillings
Soft Tissue: Contact lenses, breast implants
Drug Delivery & Tissue Engineering: Scaffolds, nanocarriers
Market Impact:
Improving patient outcomes globally; USD 200B+ market. [2][3]
Slide 5: Key Properties for Biomaterial Selection
Essential Requirements:
Mechanical strength (fit for application)
Chemical stability (minimal reaction with body)
No toxicity or allergic reaction
Long-term durability, fatigue/wear resistance
Ability to sterilize and process
Slide 6: Metallic Biomaterials – Example
![Titanium hip implant orthopedic application]
Titanium & Alloys: Most widely used for implants
Key Features: Corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, lower weight, suitable
mechanical properties
Applications: Hip/knee joints, dental roots, pacemaker cases
Slide 7: Polymeric Biomaterials – Example
![Polymeric biomaterial classification and branches]
Natural: Collagen, chitosan (biodegradable, good for tissue engineering, wound
dressing)
Synthetic: PMMA, polyethylene, polylactic acid (versatile processing, used in drug
delivery, sutures)
Key Features: Tunable properties, lower modulus
Limitations: May be less durable or susceptible to degradation
Slide 8: Structure of Biomaterial Scaffolds
![3D tissue engineering scaffold, porous structure]
3D model of a tissue engineering scaffold showing scaffold geometry, pore geometry, and
detailed cross-sections of pore structures.
Biomaterial scaffolds must mimic tissue architecture for cell growth
Design Needs: High porosity, interconnected pores, favorable mechanical strength
Applications: Tissue engineering, cell/bone regeneration, organoids
Trends: 3D printed scaffolds, smart/functionalized surfaces
Slide 9: Biocompatibility
![Schematic of biocompatibility testing as per ISO 10993]
Schematic diagram of biocompatibility cytotoxicity testing workflow using cell culture and
microplate reader based on ISO 10993 standards.
Definition:
The ability of a biomaterial to perform with an appropriate host response in a
specific application.[4][5]
Key ISO 10993 Test Types:
Cytotoxicity
Sensitization
Irritation
Genotoxicity
Hemocompatibility
Implantation
Slide 10: Biocompatibility Testing – Standards and Methods
![Two-mode schematic for in vitro and in vivo testing]
Schematic representation of two modes for in vitro biocompatibility and cytotoxicity
testing showing sequential steps, incubation periods, and metabolic activity
measurement using resazurin assay.
In vitro methods: Cell culture assays (cytotoxicity, protein adsorption studies)
In vivo methods: Implantation in animal models, evaluation of tissue response
Regulations: ISO 10993, FDA guidelines[4]
Goal: Ensure patient safety before clinical applications
Slide 11: Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Approaches
![Illustration of tissue engineering scaffold with cells, growth factors]
Biomaterial scaffolds provide templates for tissue growth
Combination with cells + growth factors: Key to regeneration
Applications: Skin substitutes, bone grafts, vascular tissue, cartilage
Slide 12: Current Challenges & Future Trends
Improved long-term performance, tailored degradation, enhanced bioactivity
Smart biomaterials: Responsive to pH, temperature, light
Biofabrication: 3D/4D printing, multi-material composites
Personalized medicine with patient-specific implants
Slide 13: Summary & Discussion
Biomaterials are fundamental to modern medical technology
Multiple classes exist, each with unique strengths and use-cases
Challenges persist in durability, integration, safety
Future: smarter, more integrated, more personalized biomaterials
Q&A | Discussion
Slide 14: References & Further Reading
Wikipedia – Biomaterial[1]
PMC – Biomaterials in Medical Applications[3]
Polymeric biomaterials diagram
Wikipedia – ISO 10993[4]
Definition infographic
Scaffold structure image
Biocompatibility testing diagram
Applications in life sciences[2]
For academic and educational use; credits to image and text sources as cited.
1. https://mec.edu.in/mvlc/ppt/l_sh/ppt_bnms.pdf
2. https://boydbiomedical.com/articles/common-applications-of-biomaterials-in-life-sciences
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_10993
4. https://sist.sathyabama.ac.in/sist_coursematerial/uploads/SBM1304.pdf
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9960308/
