BME 611 - Materials Biocompatibility

The course covers fundamental topics of biocompatibility of materials in medicine (polymers, ceramics, metals, composites, nano- and bioengineered materials). Fundamental principles of materials science as well as interfacial engineering of materials will be reviewed. Materials response to biological systems such as corrosion, wear, fracture, degradation, swelling, leaching, biodistribution and accumulation will be studied in the context of specific biomedical applications. The importance of properties and their modulation (e.g. surface modification, interfacial engineering, importance of particle size and surface) and how it affects host response (cell adhesion, inflammatory response, coagulation, immunity) will be discussed. Specific examples of material interactions with biological systems such as bone, blood, brain, skin and the eye will be studied. Engineering materials to improve biocompatibility will be discussed extensively during lecture time as well literature discussion and problem-solving sessions. The course will include how to design appropriate toxicity and biocompatibility studies based on the target (nano)material and tissue. This course is taught in part using problem-based learning techniques. In class exercises/discussion/problem solving session will be used throughout the term. Students are expected to have completed the assignments and/or requested reading to participate in the discussion and problem-solving exercise. Where possible, research articles will also be selected to reflect the research topics of the students registered in the course. Students should have background knowledge in physiological systems and materials.