Summary

The course introduces the main classes of biomaterials used in the biomedical field. The interactions with biological environment are discussed and challenges highlighted. State of the art examples per type of material are discussed. Students will generate a biomaterial and study cell compatibility.

Content

Keywords

Biomaterials, biocompatibility, biofunctionality, implants, nanotechnology, tissue engineering, drug-delivery, nanoparticles. 

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

Introduction to materials science

Biology for engineers

Recommended courses

Materials, metallurgy, polymer, ceramics, soft matter

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

• Estimate a biomaterial in function of the application
• Compare developments of new biomaterials
• Describe the interactions with biological environment
• Describe the translation of a biomaterial to commercial use
• Design a nanoparticle for targeting/drug delivery
• Compare biocompatibility of various materials
• Describe requirements to limit toxicity

Transversal skills

• Communicate effectively with professionals from other disciplines.
• Respect relevant legal guidelines and ethical codes for the profession.
• Collect data.
• Access and evaluate appropriate sources of information.

Teaching methods

Ex cathedra and invited speakers

Practicum at DLL laboratories: developement and characterization of a soft biomaterial as scaffold for cell proliferation. 

Expected student activities

Attendance at lectures.

Presence at practicum (also at hours not in lab)

Participation at all experimental projects (presence will be registered)

Assessment methods

Written exam in exam period (75%)

Laboratory paper (25%, hand in at last day, dec 18)

100% participation at DLL practicum (deduction of 0.5 per day missed from lab paper grade) 

Supervision

Resources

Ressources en bibliothèque

• Biological performance of materials : fundamentals of biocompatibility / Black
• Traité des matériaux 7 - Comportement des matériaux dans les milieux biologiques / Schmidt
• Human Anatomy & Physiology: Pearson New International Edition / Marieb
• Bone Repair Biomaterials / Planell
• Biomaterials science : an introduction to materials in medicine / Ratner

Notes/Handbook

All necessary documentation will be made available in the Moodle of this course