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Biomaterial

In surgery, a biomaterial is a synthetic material used to replace part of a
living system or to function in intimate contact with living tissue. Compare
this definition to that of bio-based material.

The Clemson University Advisory Board for Biomaterials defined a biomaterial
as "a systemically and pharmacologically inert substance designed for
implantation within or in corporation with living systems".

In 1986, the Consensus Conference of the European Society for Biomaterials
defined a biomaterial as "a nonviable material used in a medical device,
intended to interact with biological systems".

Another definition of biomaterial is "any substance (other than drugs) or
combination of substances synthetic or natural in origin, which can be used
for any period of time, as a whole or as a part of a system which treats,
augments, or replaces any tissue, organ, or function of the body".

A biomaterial is different from a biological material such as bone that is
produced by a biological system. Artificial hips, vascular stents,
artificial pacemakers, and catheters are all made from different
biomaterials.

Biomimetic materials are not made by living things but have similar
compositions and properties to living things. The calcium hydroxyapatite
coating found on many artificial hips is a sort of fake bone that allows for
easier attachment of the implant to the living bone.

All details are given in the definition and processing of biomaterials.

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