An introduction to biomaterials

Abstract

A biomaterial can be defined as any material used to make devices to replace a part or a function of the body in a safe, reliable, economic, and physiologically acceptable manner. Some people refer to materials of biological origin, such as wood and bone, as biomaterials, but we refer to such materials as “biological materials.” A variety of devices and materials are used in the treatment of disease or injury. Commonplace examples include sutures, tooth fillings, needles, catheters, bone plates, etc. A biomaterial may be a synthetic material used to replace part of a living system or to function in intimate contact with living tissue. © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.