Sealants and patches made from biomaterials allow damaged tissue to regenerate and heal. These materials must mimic the elasticity of diverse tissue structures and, consequently, control biological function, particularly the differentiation of stem cells. NIBIB-funded researchers are working to combine silk with tropoelastin, a highly elastic and dynamic structural protein to construct a panel of protein biomaterials. Biomaterials can be used to control stem cell fate and function. Stem cells are not specialized, so they have the potential to transition into any specific kind of cell under the right conditions. Bone replacement material must support cell attachment and facilitate bone growth. A wound healing system must promote skin growth and blood vessel formation. Biomaterials designed for functionīioengineers measure the function of a biomaterial by how well it performs a specific action and how it will be used. NIBIB funds research that aims to address the function and biocompatibility of biomaterials. Examples include drug-coated vascular stents and implantable chemotherapy wafers for cancer patients. Drug-delivery systems that carry and/or apply drugs to a disease target.Examples are blood glucose monitoring devices and brain activity sensors. Biosensors to detect the presence and amount of specific substances and to transmit that data.Molecular probes and nanoparticles that break through biological barriers and aid in cancer imaging and therapy at the molecular level.Examples include a bone regenerating hydrogel and a lab-grown human bladder. Regenerated human tissues, using a combination of biomaterial supports or scaffolds, cells, and bioactive molecules.Methods to promote healing of human tissues, including sutures, clips, and staples for wound closure, and dissolvable dressings.Medical implants, including heart valves, stents, and grafts artificial joints, ligaments, and tendons hearing loss implants dental implants and devices that stimulate nerves.They often are biodegradable, and some are bio-absorbable, meaning they are eliminated gradually from the body after fulfilling a function.ĭoctors, researchers, and bioengineers use biomaterials for the following broad range of applications: These may include heart valves, hip joint replacements, dental implants, or contact lenses. They can be reengineered into molded or machined parts, coatings, fibers, films, foams, and fabrics for use in biomedical products and devices. Metals, ceramics, plastic, glass, and even living cells and tissue all can be used in creating a biomaterial. The field has grown significantly in the past decade due to discoveries in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and more. The modern field of biomaterials combines medicine, biology, physics, and chemistry, and more recent influences from tissue engineering and materials science. The first historical use of biomaterials dates to antiquity, when ancient Egyptians used sutures made from animal sinew. Biomaterials may be natural or synthetic and are used in medical applications to support, enhance, or replace damaged tissue or a biological function. Grinstaff lab, Boston Universityīiomaterials play an integral role in medicine today-restoring function and facilitating healing for people after injury or disease. Hydrogel sealants may allow pain-free dressing changes for patients with burns.
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