Biomaterials Glossary

A material that elicits a specific biological response at its surface, such as bonding to bone tissue.

The ability of a material to perform its intended function within a biological environment without causing adverse effects.

The breakdown of a material by biological processes such as hydrolysis or enzymatic activity into harmless byproducts.

A material that does not interact significantly with surrounding tissue and is encapsulated by a fibrous layer.

The design of materials and structures that imitate the forms, processes, or properties found in nature.

An additive manufacturing process that uses bioinks containing living cells to fabricate three-dimensional tissue constructs.

A material that dissolves or is metabolized by the body over time, eventually being completely replaced by natural tissue.

A metallic biomaterial with high wear and corrosion resistance, used in joint replacement bearing surfaces and dental prosthetics.

The process of removing all cellular material from a tissue while preserving the extracellular matrix for use as a scaffold.

A vascular stent coated with a drug-releasing polymer to prevent restenosis after coronary angioplasty.

A fabrication technique using electric fields to produce nanoscale polymer fibers for scaffolds and wound dressings.

The structural network of proteins and carbohydrates surrounding cells that provides support and biochemical signaling.

The immune response cascade triggered by an implanted material, culminating in fibrous capsule formation.

The compatibility of a material with blood, characterized by minimal thrombosis, hemolysis, and immune activation.

A crosslinked polymer network capable of absorbing large amounts of water, mimicking soft tissue properties.

A calcium phosphate ceramic that mimics the mineral phase of bone and is used in coatings and bone graft substitutes.

The international standard series specifying biological evaluation requirements for medical devices.

A nickel-titanium shape memory alloy used in self-expanding stents and orthodontic devices.

The direct structural connection between living bone and an implant surface without intervening soft tissue.

Inflammatory bone resorption caused by wear debris particles from implant surfaces, often leading to implant loosening.

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), a biodegradable copolymer widely used in sutures, drug delivery, and tissue engineering.

Polymethyl methacrylate, an acrylic polymer used as bone cement in joint replacements and in intraocular lenses.

A three-dimensional porous biomaterial structure that provides a template for cell attachment and tissue regeneration.

Bone density loss around an implant caused by the implant bearing a disproportionate share of mechanical load.

The passive oxide layer that forms on titanium surfaces, providing corrosion resistance and biocompatibility.