Biomaterials
Code 728II
Credits 6
Learning outcomes
This course of Biomaterials is designed to provide a general understanding of the multidisciplinary field of biomaterials, and to give a key focus on new products arising from nanotechnology. Specifically, it aims at developing in the attendants all the necessary skills as well as the fundamental theoretical and technical competences with the ultimate goal to have graduated students who can successfully interface with the multidisciplinary scenario of biomaterials-related products and technologies, both in industrial and research environments. The current and innovative applications of biomaterials will be evaluated to highlight the connections existing between material properties, function, biological responses and clinical applications. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of this topic, both teamwork and self-learning will be stimulated.
After the completion of the course, the students will be able to:
• Understand the interaction between biomaterials and biologic systems,
• Understand the fundamental principles of biomaterials and their properties,
• Know the advanced biofabrication techniques (from macro-to-nanoscale),
• Know the modern analytical and imaging techniques for characterization of biomaterials,
• Know the most important regulatory aspects for clinical translation,
• Demonstrate effective communication and teamwork skills through technical presentations and reports,
• Demonstrate capability of to understand the scientific literature.
Contents
Biocompatibility and material-cell/tissue/organ interactions. Classes of materials used in medicine (synthetic and biologic polymers, metals, ceramics, composites, graft tissues). Properties of materials (chemical, physical, mechanical, architectural, surface). Exploiting biomaterial properties for medical purposes. Advanced biofabrication techniques (nano and microfiber manufacturing, nanoparticle and nanotube synthesis). Techniques for biomaterials characterization. Biological testing of biomaterials. Application of materials in medicine, biology and artificial organs: tissue engineering, drug delivery, nanomedicine. Regulatory aspects involving biomaterial devices.
After the completion of the course, the students will be able to:
• Understand the interaction between biomaterials and biologic systems,
• Understand the fundamental principles of biomaterials and their properties,
• Know the advanced biofabrication techniques (from macro-to-nanoscale),
• Know the modern analytical and imaging techniques for characterization of biomaterials,
• Know the most important regulatory aspects for clinical translation,
• Demonstrate effective communication and teamwork skills through technical presentations and reports,
• Demonstrate capability of to understand the scientific literature.
Contents
Biocompatibility and material-cell/tissue/organ interactions. Classes of materials used in medicine (synthetic and biologic polymers, metals, ceramics, composites, graft tissues). Properties of materials (chemical, physical, mechanical, architectural, surface). Exploiting biomaterial properties for medical purposes. Advanced biofabrication techniques (nano and microfiber manufacturing, nanoparticle and nanotube synthesis). Techniques for biomaterials characterization. Biological testing of biomaterials. Application of materials in medicine, biology and artificial organs: tissue engineering, drug delivery, nanomedicine. Regulatory aspects involving biomaterial devices.