Base knowledge of chemistry and science and technology of materials
Aim of the course is to complete the information acquired in the Bachelor about Biomaterials, allowing students to acquire an exhaustive overview of the modern materials used for biomedical applications, with particular reference to implantable devices and prostheses in the human body, taking into consideration the current processes, technologies and treatments available or in an advanced research phase aimed at improving specific properties and characteristics of biomedical devices (tissue integration, biological compatibility, mechanical performance, etc.). The phenomena of interaction between biomaterials and the human body will also be analyzed, about the causes of possible failures of the material in operation, adverse reactions, the mechanisms of degradation of biomaterials and the reciprocal effect of the biological environment on the biomaterial/device.
Metallic biomaterials: principles of corrosion of materials, corrosion phenomena in the human body. Crevice and pitting corrosion of osteosynthesis means. Corrosion-fatigue and fretting in joint prostheses. Ions release. Bioabsorbable metallic materials. Corrosion and failure of dental prostheses. Coatings to improve osteointegration (press-fit prostheses) and hemocompatibility (stents and heart valves).
Polymeric biomaterials: degradation problems of polymeric materials in the human body. Short- and medium-term interactions. Study of mechanical and dynamic-mechanical properties for polymeric materials. Biodegradable polymers, processing methods, sterilization, and degradation problems. Problems of degradation due to wear of the acetabular cups and tibial plateaus. Degradation of vascular prostheses and deep vein catheters. Advanced polymeric materials: shape memory polymers and stimuli-responsive materials. Drug and cell delivery systems (injectable systems, microspheres).
Degradation of ceramic and bioglass materials. Degradation of composite materials.
Frontal lessons
Written exam focused on 30 closed questions with a choice of 4 answers. The score is 1 point on request. Only by passing the written exam will the oral exam be accessed. At the end of the writing the results (in 30simi) will be displayed on the web page of the course with the calendar of the oral interviews.
Students who have obtained at least 18/30 in the written test will be admitted to the oral exam.
The slides used during the lessons will be published and available online on Moodle.