OVERVIEW

The Biomaterials course offers an interdisciplinary overview of materials used in the biomedical field, analyzing the relationships between structure, properties, biological interactions, and clinical applications. The course integrates knowledge from chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering to prepare students to contribute to the development and evaluation of advanced biomaterials.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide students with an interdisciplinary and applied understanding of materials used in the biomedical field, highlighting the relationships between structure, properties, biological interactions, and clinical applications. The course integrates chemical, physical, biological, and engineering knowledge to prepare students to contribute to the development, characterization, and evaluation of advanced biomaterials for medical devices and therapies. Laboratory activities enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to experimental practice through exercises focused on the preparation, modification, and analysis of biomaterials.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

• Describe the main classes of biomaterials (metals, polymers, ceramics, natural materials, and composites), their physicochemical properties, and the methods for their modification and characterization.

• Understand the role of material surfaces in biological interactions and analyze surface engineering strategies aimed at improving clinical performance (e.g., antifouling, antithrombogenic, antibacterial surfaces).

• Analyze biological responses to implanted materials, including inflammation, healing, immune response, coagulation, and biofilm formation.

• Apply multidisciplinary knowledge to evaluate materials for specific clinical applications (cardiovascular, orthopedic, dental, skin, neural).

• Conduct experimental activities involving the synthesis, modification, and analysis of biomaterials, developing practical laboratory skills and critical interpretation of results.

• Evaluate the safety of materials by studying local and systemic effects, including toxicity, immunogenicity, and tumorigenic potential.

PREREQUISITES

To successfully follow the course, it is recommended that students possess basic knowledge in general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, cell biology, and fundamentals of materials engineering. These competencies will help students better understand the interdisciplinary content and actively participate in laboratory activities.

TEACHING METHODS

The course includes lectures, practical exercises, and laboratory sessions i. Teaching methods include:

• Lectures with multimedia support

• Case studies and problem-solving exercises

• Laboratory work on biomaterial preparation, modification, and analysis

• Individual or group projects on specific applications

• Use of online platform AulaWeb for teaching materials

Participation in lab activities is strongly recommended for successful learning outcomes.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course is organized into the following thematic modules

• Introduction to Biomaterials Science
• Introduction: Properties of Materials
• The Nature of Matter and Materials
• Bulk Properties of Materials
• Surface Properties and Surface Characterization of Biomaterials
• Polymers: Basic Principles
• The Organic Matrix of Restorative Composites and Adhesives
• Hydrogels
• Degradable and Resorbable Polymers
• “Smart Polymers” as Biomaterials
• Metal and biodegradable metals
• Ceramics, Glasses, and Glass-Ceramics
• Natural Materials
• Composites
• Medical Fibers and Biotextiles
• Introduction to Materials Processing for Biomaterials
• Physicochemical Surface Modification of Materials Used in Medicine
• Introduction to Biological Responses to Materials
• Inflammation, Wound Healing, the Foreign-Body Response, and Alternative Tissue Responses
• Innate and Adaptive Immunity: The Immune Response to Foreign Materials
• The Complement System
• Systemic and Immune Toxicity of Implanted Materials
• Tumorigenesis and Biomaterials
• Blood Coagulation and Blood–Material Interactions
• Biofilms, Biomaterials, and Device-Related Infections
• Introduction to Applications of Biomaterials
• Cardiovascular Medical Devices: Heart Valves, Pacemakers and Defibrillators, Mechanical Circulatory Support, and Other Intracardiac Devices
• Cardiovascular Medical Devices: Stents, Grafts, Stent-Grafts and Other Endovascular Devices
• Orthopedic Applications
• Dental Applications
• Burn Dressings and Skin Substitutes
• Bioelectronic Neural Implants
• The Medical Product Life Cycle

Contribution to UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• Goal 3 – Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all

• Goal 9 – Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

• Goal 12 – Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Provided materials:

• Lecture slides

• Selected scientific papers

• Lab manuals

Recommended textbooks:

• J. D. Bronzino, D. R. Peterson, Biomaterials: Principles and Practices, CRC Press (latest edition)

• B. D. Ratner et al., Biomaterials Science: An Introduction to Materials in Medicine, Academic Press

Additional materials and updates will be made available on AulaWeb.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Lectures will begin during the first week of the designated teaching semester, according to the official academic calendar.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final exam consists of an oral examination.

During the oral exam, students will be asked to discuss key concepts covered in the course, demonstrate their understanding of biomaterials’ properties, biological interactions, and clinical applications, and explain experimental procedures performed in the lab. The exam will also assess the student’s ability to integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines and use appropriate scientific terminology.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral exam is designed to verify the achievement of the expected learning outcomes by evaluating the student's ability to:

• Clearly explain the classification, properties, and modifications of biomaterials;

• Describe biological responses to materials and relate them to clinical applications;

• Interpret laboratory experiences and experimental results;

• Use correct technical language and communicate concepts effectively;

• Demonstrate critical thinking and interdisciplinary integration.

The evaluation will be based on:

• Accuracy and completeness of the answers;

• Logical structure and clarity of explanation;

• Use of appropriate scientific vocabulary;

• Depth of understanding and ability to connect theory with practice.

Students with certification of Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), disabilities, or other special educational needs are advised to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course in order to identify teaching and examination methods that, while respecting the learning objectives of the course, take into account individual learning styles and provide appropriate compensatory tools.

FURTHER INFORMATION

All course updates, lecture materials, and relevant announcements will be made available on AulaWeb.