Learn how to use common methods and techniques to analyze chemical, mechanical, biocompatibility, and bioactivity properties of biomaterials for materials science.

It's also crucial to acknowledge the significance of ex vivo models in the realm of biocompatibility assessment. Ex vivo models, particularly 3D human or animal tissue explants, offer a unique advantage as they provide an environment that closely mimics in vivo conditions by preserving the cellular and structural components found in living organisms. By offering a more realistic representation of biological interactions, the data obtained from ex vivo models can yield more reliable and translatable insights into the biocompatibility of biomaterials.

How do you characterize biomaterial properties for Materials Science?

Biomaterials are materials that interact with biological systems, such as tissues, organs, cells, or molecules. They have many applications in medicine, engineering, and biotechnology, such as implants, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biosensors. To design and evaluate biomaterials for specific purposes, you need to characterize their properties, such as chemical composition, mechanical behavior, biocompatibility, and bioactivity. In this article, you will learn how to use some common methods and techniques to characterize biomaterial properties for materials science.

1 Chemical analysis

When characterizing biomaterials, one of the first steps is to determine their chemical composition and structure. This can be done through the use of various analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). XRD can measure the diffraction patterns of crystalline materials to reveal their crystal structure, phase, orientation, and lattice parameters. FTIR uses infrared radiation to show the functional groups, molecular structure, and chemical bonds of the biomaterial. NMR measures the resonance frequencies of nuclei in the biomaterial to uncover its molecular structure, dynamics, and interactions.

Add your perspective

2 Mechanical testing

Characterizing biomaterials also involves measuring their mechanical properties, such as strength, stiffness, elasticity, toughness, and fatigue. To do this, various testing methods can be used to apply different types of forces or deformations to the biomaterial and observe its response. For instance, tensile testing is a popular method that uses a device to pull the biomaterial until it breaks or yields; it can measure stress-strain curves, Young's modulus, ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation. Additionally, compression testing uses a device to squeeze the biomaterial until it fails or deforms; it can measure compressive stress-strain curves, compressive modulus, compressive strength, and compressive strain. Bending testing is another widely used method that uses a device to bend the biomaterial until it fractures or deflects; it can measure bending stress-strain curves, flexural modulus, flexural strength, and flexural strain.

Add your perspective

3 Biocompatibility assessment

To properly characterize biomaterials, it is essential to evaluate their biocompatibility, which is the ability to perform a desired function without causing adverse effects in the biological system. To assess the biocompatibility of a biomaterial, you can use various methods such as in vitro tests, in vivo tests, and in silico tests. In vitro tests use cell cultures or tissue samples to measure the cytotoxicity, inflammation, adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and function of the cells or tissues exposed to the biomaterial. In vivo tests use animal models or human subjects to measure the biodegradation, bioresorption, bioactivity, tissue integration, immune response, and clinical performance of the biomaterial. In silico tests use computational models or simulations to predict the transport, diffusion, reaction, and mechanics of the biomaterial and the biological system.

Add your perspective

Fahimeh Tabatabaei

Skilled Researcher & Innovator | Strategic R&D Leadership | Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering
Report contribution
It's also crucial to acknowledge the significance of ex vivo models in the realm of biocompatibility assessment. Ex vivo models, particularly 3D human or animal tissue explants, offer a unique advantage as they provide an environment that closely mimics in vivo conditions by preserving the cellular and structural components found in living organisms. By offering a more realistic representation of biological interactions, the data obtained from ex vivo models can yield more reliable and translatable insights into the biocompatibility of biomaterials.

Like

4 Bioactivity analysis

To characterize biomaterials, it is necessary to determine their bioactivity, which is the ability to induce a specific biological response. Various methods can be used for this analysis, such as bioassays, biomarkers, and bioimaging. Bioassays use biological indicators, such as enzymes or antibodies, to measure the activity of the biomaterial on a specific biological function or pathway. Biomarkers use molecular or cellular markers to measure the expression or regulation of the biomaterial on a specific biological process or outcome. Lastly, bioimaging uses imaging techniques to measure the visualization or localization of the biomaterial in the biological system. All these methods are essential for understanding how biomaterials interact with biological systems.

Add your perspective

Mohammed H. Ahmed

co-Founder DentPlanet | PhD in Dental Biomaterials | Specialized in ecological aspects of dentistry| FDI Sustainability Award winnder
Report contribution
Microscopy in low-and high-resolution. Despite the paramount importance of the previous parameters, it is still crucial to visualise the materials (either solely or interfacially with other materials) under the electron microscope. This can be done by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) or Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), or a combined S/TEM. Moreover, other microscopes as Confocal ones can be also employed. Ultrastructural high resolution visualisation can give a great idea about the composition, properties, and behaviour.

Like

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

How do you characterize biomaterial properties for Materials Science?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Chemical analysis

2 Mechanical testing

3 Biocompatibility assessment

4 Bioactivity analysis

5 Here’s what else to consider

Materials Science

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Materials Science

More relevant reading